Sarnia council is moving forward with planning for the proposed relocation of Mallroad Library to the upper floor of Clearwater Arena.
Councillor Brian White said he understands the community is split on the issue.
"I think what's really important is a lot of the concerns that are raised with moving it from the (Lambton) Mall Road location can be addressed in the design, and this motion today, is really about creating a design," said White.
He sees opportunities, beyond cost savings, to expand programming by creating a four-season community hub at the arena.
"If we can partner with our Strangway programming, with the YMCA, with the parks, with the trail, our outdoor spaces, we can provide cooling hubs in the summer because we know that the library is always going to be open."
Staff have said the upper hall at the arena currently has a utilization rate of 16 per cent and brings in about $10,000 a year from rentals, while $70,000 is spent annually on the Mallroad branch.
The second floor at Clearwater can be accessed by elevator, and White said the library relocation has been unanimously supported by the Sarnia's Accessibility Committee.
"They have general concerns with the way the Mallroad location functions, the lack of ability to make capital improvements as needed, because it's not actually our building, and they addressed all the potential that could be with this community hub, including new parking out in front," said White.
Staff will work with Lambton County’s Library Services team to finalize the preliminary concept and floor plans, refine the cost estimate and establish project timelines.
Councillor Margaret Bird voted against the idea.