With work underway for a new central library in downtown Saskatoon on 2nd Avenue North, plans have also begun to sell the current site of the Frances Morrison library. At a recent meeting of the Saskatoon Public Library Board, in an in-camera session, meaning a non-public session, the Board approved Administration to proceed with negotiations related to the sale. A spokesperson for the SPL confirmed in an email that an offer for the Frances Morrison Library has been received.

The new downtown library is in the design phase right now, with construction expected to begin this year and and opening in 2026. The SPL has reported previously that the current downtown library is non-compliant with all significant building codes, with life-safety deficiencies dating back nearly 20 years. The City’s Building Standards Branch determined back in May of 2000 that no architectural improvements would be permitted without the non-compliance issues being addressed.