The Red Deer Public Library downtown branch will get more renovations next year, to the tune of $450,000.
The fourth level will get new lights and ceiling while a new main floor circulation desk and new furniture are planned.
Library director Dean Frey said fourth level work will likely begin early next year and mean a month-long closure of the non-fiction section.
“Saving energy is an important part of the project. The adult library level four ceiling is way overdue to be replaced. We’re looking at an aging building.”
A new circulation desk and new furniture in the Link (entry area of the library) will also be added. The entire project should be done by June.
“People will certainly see the difference,” said Frey.
Red Deer MP Earl Dreeshen announced a federal $225,300 Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund grant this morning while Red Deer North MLA Mary Anne Jablonski announced a $100,000 Community Facility Enhancement Program grant to help pay for the $450,000 project.
The remainder of the funds will come from the city and the library’s operating reserve.
Part of the project was done earlier this fall when the children’s department was closed a month for $116,000 in renovations to cover new flooring, paint and furniture.
Both politicians praised the work of Red Deer Public Library.
“As a former teacher, I know the importance of libraries to communities,” said Dreeshen.
“Visiting a library is a chance to enter a world of discovery,” said Jablonski.
Library board chair Duncan Anderson replied, “I’m afraid I bring nothing today, but we’re glad to receive.”
The downtown branch was built in 1967 and underwent a major renovation in 1979 when another floor was added. In 1993, The Link was built, joining the old Firehall No. 1 to the library and becoming the Piper Creek Optimist Children’s Library. The Red Deer public library is located at 4818 49th St.
rfiedler@www.reddeeradvocate.com