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The Saskatoon Public Library is planning to build its new downtown branch on a large piece of land on the west side of Second Avenue North, between 24th Street and 25th Street.

The library bought the properties days after its board of directors agreed to spend $9 million on land for the proposed $132-million replacement for the Frances Morrison Central Library.

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Public records show the library now owns three parcels of land on the site along Second Avenue, including the parking lot that was once home to the Patricia Hotel.

The library also owns the strip mall that currently contains a Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) store and other shops on the south end of the same block.

In an interview after the Saskatoon StarPhoenix reported on the purchase, Saskatoon Public Library board chair Brett Bradshaw said the site is appealing for several reasons.

In addition to being an “anchor” between north and south downtown, it’s accessible by all modes of transportation and close to the proposed bus rapid transit-style system, she said.