Ackerman confirmed that library officials have been "looking at the Vendôme area" in eastern NDG, although they had "four or five" other possibilities.

"We've narrowed it down and, unfortunately, we have not, as I have said, got a done deal yet. So I can't say any more than that, other than it will be in that area."

While the Fraser-Hickson's vast collection of books and other materials has been moved to a warehousing facility, the library administration has been leasing space in the basement of their former building, which was purchased last year by École Rudolf Steiner, a private school.

Even if the privately-funded Fraser-Hickson — which for generations was the largest and best-equipped library in NDG — were to relocate successfully, it wouldn't be re-opening before 2009, according to Ackerman.

"Once we've got a deal, then a whole lot of other things have to happen," she said. "And so it's going to take at least 18 months."

"The desire to stay in NDG is still very strong," said John Dinsmore, chairman of the Fraser-Hickson's board of directors. "We hope very much that we can find something that will accommodate us, but make us more accessible to the larger Montreal population."

Dinsmore said the library has considered many possibilities, including that of relocating somewhere outside NDG, although the latter suggestion has so far not been taken very seriously.

"When we were created back in 1885, we were mandated to serve all Montrealers," he said, while adding, "to this point in time we have not looked elsewhere. We are hoping very much that we can reach some sort of a successful outcome.

"We've considered up to 30 or so possible locations and we're narrowed it down to a very small number. So we're hoping that one of those will come to fruition very soon. I hope so sometime this spring if we can. We would like very much to be able to announce that. We really are trying to open as soon as we are physically able."

Dinsmore said the Vendôme area has many qualities that would make it ideal, including its proximity to the Metro, the AMT train station and several bus lines. The Decarie Expressway is also just a short distance.

"I know they were looking in that area, but I did not hear of them finding any permanent location or any available spot they can lease," said Côte des Neiges-Notre Dame de Grâce Borough Mayor Michael Applebaum on being informed of the Fraser-Hickson's progress.

"They like that area, and that is because of the Metro and the train station. But it was a question, of course, for them of finding a location they can afford and a location that is large enough to meet their needs. And I haven't heard anything else."