PEI

Summerside Inspire Learning Centre construction underway

Work is underway on Summerside's new Inspire Learning Centre, a three–storey building that will replace the current library and double its footprint.

The Rotary Club of Summerside is hoping to raise $2 million to help make the project happen

The former post office on Central Street in Summerside is being transformed into the new Inspire Learning Centre. (Furrow Creative)

Work is underway on Summerside's new Inspire Learning Centre, a threestorey building that will replace the current library and double its footprint. 

Renovations are being done at the former post office building in the city's downtown.

An artist's rendering of the exterior patio of the new learning centre. (Furrow Creative)

Stephen Cudmore, speaking for the Rotary Club of Summerside, said the group is hoping to raise $2 million to help make the project happen.  

"It takes a library from a place you need to go to get something done, to a place you want to go because it's very fun and engaging with all the tools and technology to exist in today's future," said Cudmore.

"Yes, you'll still be able to borrow a book, but there will be banks of computers, there'll be meeting rooms, there'll be reading rooms, there'll be quiet rooms."

A section of the first floor interior of the new centre. (Furrow Creative)

Renovations will include a new elevator and upgrades to make it more energy efficient.

The facility will include a library, multi-purpose meeting rooms, work stations and community space for business and entrepreneurial development and lifelong learning.

Cudmore said the new learning centre should be open by the fall.

Currently, the Summerside library has 400,000 books, 72,000 visitors a year and offers 200 programs to the public.