Cathy Dobson/The Independent

Seunghwa (Sue) Park’s commitment to lifelong learning and her love of the Bright’s Grove library prompted her to donate $100,000 towards its expansion five years ago.

Her donation in 2021 was the first toward a $1-million fundraising campaign that was formally kicked off just this week after city council finally gave full approval.

“I believe in libraries and I always said if I ever had money, I’d donate to an expansion like this,” Park said Tuesday during the campaign launch.

About 50 people attended the event on the front lawn of the historic Hamilton Road Faethorne House that has accommodated a Lambton County library branch and the community-driven Gallery in the Grove since the 1970s.

“I couldn’t believe it when they said it is going ahead,” said Park. “I’m so happy to see it all come together.”

Talk of an expansion project began in the 1990s when it became clear that the 170-year-old building needed upgrades. But it wasn’t until 2017 when the city, which owns the building and is paying for the $5.8-million redevelopment, started serious discussions to provide a modern and accessible facility.

While several city councillors were at first reluctant to commit to a major capital project, a group of residents co-chaired by Mark Moran and Kirsty Kilner-Holmes became strong advocates. They lobbied for the project and accepted donations over the years that now total $733,155 toward the $1-million goal.

Tuesday, Moran and Kilner-Holmes acknowledged large donations already received from Park, the Huron Grove Foundation ($340,000), and the Norman and Judith Alix Foundation ($100,000). Also, the Bright’s Grove Optimists made a pledge of $50,000 at the launch.

The amount of donations and community support for the project ultimately convinced city council to back it, said Moran.

“Selling the project to the city wasn’t an easy task,” he said, adding that when the going got tough, Park’s initial $100,000 kept him motivated.

The project includes renovations to the existing 3,165-square-foot library building and an addition that will triple its size. The expanded space will be accessible and the art gallery will be moved to the ground floor. The addition will house a bigger book collection, study rooms, and recreational space.

It will become the community hub that Bright’s Grove needs, said Arlene Patterson who spoke at the launch and said she observed nearly 30 years ago that neighbourhood teens needed an activity centre.

Sarnia City Councillor Anne Marie Gillis has been a proponent of the expansion even from the beginning. She said at the launch that she already looks forward to the grand reopening anticipated 14 months after shovels are in the ground.
Libraries aren’t what they used to be, Gillis said. “They are vibrant and alive and welcome people. They’re noisy and there’s laughter and music.

“Just wait,” she said. “This is a marrying of the old with the new. You will be so proud you are a part of this.”

Sarnia council has approved a $5.4-million tender submitted by K& L Construction Ltd. but no start date has been announced. However, Kilner-Holmes said she expects it to be this summer.

Meantime, the art gallery will shut down to the public on Saturday. Patrons will have to use other library branches during construction and the gallery is hoping to hold exhibits elsewhere, although a location isn’t confirmed.

Organizers at Tuesday’s launch said they were amazed by the turnout and that it reflects the support the community has for the long-awaited project.

They said they anticipate the fundraising goal will be met quickly now that’s it’s officially launched. If more than the $1 million is raised, the funds will be set aside for future renovations, said Moran.

Campaign dollars will be dedicated to finishing inside features, landscaping and restoration work.