An extensive $7.9-million plan to upgrade Windsor's public library system has been given the green light.
Once space becomes available, a new branch is planned for Devonshire Mall.
"Lots of technology, lots of resources people would pick up and put down -- so, magazines, newspapers, WIFI hot spot," says CEO Kitty Pope. "Lots of programs for children because often kids come with their parents to the mall."
Another new component -- a library on wheels, which should be ready by next summer.
"There are still some areas of Windsor that are underserved or unserved, particularly in Ward 1 and south Windsor," she says. "So a book-mobile can pull up to a Tim Hortons, it can pull up next to a school, it can be in a park while there are baseball games going on."
The first set of projects to start will be a $2.4-million addition to the Optimist Community Centre and $2.5-million worth of renovations to the old Sandwich Fire Hall. Officials hope to have construction started by this time next year.
The Budimir location, which is the busiest in Windsor, will also receive $2.2-million in upgrades. Windsor City Council recently approved the plan and all projects should be complete in about four years.