Media Advisory: Public forum asks the big questions on the future of Ottawa's main library

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - June 5, 2015) - What factors should decide where and how Ottawa builds a new main library? What role do libraries play in making our communities vibrant and dynamic? How should a new main library be financed?

An interactive community forum and panel discussion on the potential and the pitfalls of a new main public library in Ottawa will debate these and other questions on Monday, June 8.

The event is hosted by Local 503 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents Ottawa municipal and library employees.

The forum will take place at the current main branch at 120 Metcalfe and occurs the day before a major staff report on the future of Ottawa's main public library goes to the library board for approval.

The report's recommendations include moving the main branch out of the downtown core and financing a new main library as a public-private partnership (P3). Monday's event is an opportunity to discuss and propose alternatives to the report's recommendations.

Experts on public policy, urban architecture, and public finance and infrastructure will discuss the new funding models for public institutions like libraries. Members of the public will be invited to join the debate around publicly financed, owned and operated libraries versus privately financed P3 initiatives.

Members of the media are invited to attend an interactive community forum and panel on the future redevelopments of the main branch of the Ottawa Public Library.