A recently formed community group in Sydney, N.S., says a new library would be a game changer for the area.

Four organizations are working together with the aim of replacing the aging James McConnell Memorial Library, which opened in 1959.

Members of the Cape Breton Partnership, Sydney and Area Chamber of Commerce, Sydney Waterfront District and Victoria County recently travelled to Halifax and Truro to learn about the role new libraries have played in those communities.

Details from fact-finding trip

The group held a public meeting in Sydney Thursday night to reveal their findings.

Kathleen Yurchesyn, CEO of the Sydney and Area Chamber or Commerce, said a new library would be a big boost for economic development.

“They saw that the moment that location was announced in Truro and the same in Halifax as well,” she said.