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The Library Management Group recommended building an extension, and Council approved a request from the Library Board that $10,000 be approved for an architectural and engineering study, which was then undertaken by the Cornerstone Planning Group. An important factor in deciding to expand on the present site was the fact that the library was dedicated as a memorial to those who had given their lives in war, so it was fitting that it should remain on its original site opposite the Memorial Arch. Until more space for all departments could be provided, some off-site storage had to be found for the overflowing book collections. In summer 1988, more than 2,000 square feet were rented in a secure area at Hillside School. Local businesses helped with transport and the Friends of the Library also helped. We had been incorporated as a society and conducted a very successful book sale that year. (We were to contribute $21,000 to the building expansion fund in March, 1990) The big problem for the Library Board was raising money for the expansion, and the Memorial Library Foundation had been set up as of July 24th in December, 1986, to do just that in a variety of ways. The total cost was estimated at $4.75 million and Council agreed to a funding formula: (i) to put aside $400,000 each year for three years starting in 1989, or a total of $1.2 million by 1991. Provincial and Federal funding were to be pursued during this period. (ii) starting in 1992, for a further three years, Council committed to match (to a maximum of $400,000 per year) the funds raised from the Library Foundation (excluding senior government contributions or financing). Thus by 1994 Council would able to contribute $2.4 million towards the project. Therefore, if the Library Foundation could raise $2,350,000 the total amount of $4,750,000 would be met. The Foundation arranged for the Martin Group to be contracted as fund-raising counsel, effective March 1st, 1989. The Cornerstone architects' concept of the enlarged and remodelled library was displayed with a model, which consisted of a new four-storey wing on the east side. (A pavilion on the roof of the existing west wing (the car park area) was originally included in the design but this was later deleted.) The eastern extension would more than double the existing 24,800 square feet, and would occupy most of the land remaining on the east side. The new total area would be 55,000 square feet and the main features added would include:- more than 1.5 miles of new shelving; 2 elevators for access to all levels; a new meeting room seating up to 60 for meetings and internal activities; an attractive periodical reading room; nearly 70 new study places; improved after-hours book-drops; improved washroom facilities; an attractive gallery space on two floors for art exhibits. ....../5