A new chapter in Kamloops library service is set to begin April 19 with the opening of the new North Kamloops Library.

The current library in rented space on Tranquille Road is scheduled to close April 1. On April 19 the doors will open to the new building at the Library Square development on Tranquille.

Greg Toma, chief administrator with the Thompson-Nicola Regional District, said Tuesday the project is on schedule. The regional district negotiated a deal allowing it to extend a contract to use the current library if the project didn’t proceed on time.

But Toma said it will not need the breathing room.

“We’re going through the final steps of LEED designation. We expect occupancy by the end of the month.”

The regional district is planning to reach a minimum of a LEED Gold standard, a measure of environmental efficiency and sustainability. Toma said receiving a LEED Platinum rating – the highest in the City – remains a possibility.

Moving books and other materials will be a major undertaking that will take up nearly three weeks, leaving a gap in library service during early May.

The regional district is partnering on the Library Square project with a local developer, Casey Van Dongen. The first phase of residential construction calls for about 50 units. It is slated to include commercial areas and 140 units of housing.

The library will move west on Tranquille Road, out of its current building that the regional district leases from a private owner.

The 20,000-square-foot space received a $2-million contribution from Ottawa and Victoria. It will be about double the size of the current library on Tranquille Road and is slated to include a computer lab and reading garden.

A grand opening is slated for May.