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Library ‘refresh’ worth the money

A new set of library renovations is underway just as another ends.
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Member services manager Kareena Fulton directs staff moving in materials behind the new member services desk at the Red Deer Public Library downtown branch Tuesday.

A new set of library renovations is underway just as another ends.

The Red Deer Public Library downtown branch closed its fourth floor this week for installation of new lights and ceiling.

The project is expected to take until June. Some of the non-fiction collection has been moved downstairs for public access.

The new member services desk in the Link entry area opens to the public today.

“There’s a lot of open space now. It was so cluttered it had become an accessibility issue,” said library director Dean Frey.

“You have to refresh a space this busy and we really got our money’s worth.”

The Friends of the Library have a new nook beside the north doors to sell used books and conduct other fundraising.

Frey said the main foyer’s open area can now host library events and community gatherings.

New furniture will arrive later this week, with the old tables being moved outdoors and umbrellas added to make a sidewalk patio.

“It will face south out of the wind and extend the café’s outdoor season by about three weeks.”

The fourth floor’s new LED lights will reduce the building’s carbon footprint and lower electricity costs, said Frey, adding the new ceiling will appear higher than the old.

A new air movement system will provide more comfort for patrons and staff.

Those renovations will cost about $200,000.

The member services desk project cost about $100,000.

The children’s department received new flooring, paint and furniture worth about $150,000 last fall.

The $450,000 total came from a federal $225,300 Community Infrastructure Improvement grant, a provincial $100,000 Community Facility Enhancement grant, and the remainder from the City of Red Deer and the library’s operating reserve.

Future renovations might include a new second storey ceiling and fourth storey flooring.

The downtown branch was built in 1967 with a second floor added in 1979.

The Link was built in 1993, joining old Firehall No. 1 to the library to become the Piper Creek Optimist Children’s Library.

Frey thanks patrons for their patience and is pleased the renovations will be done before the library marks its centennial next year.

“We have a board and staff team planning for it already.”

The Red Deer Public Library downtown branch is located at 4818 49th St.

rfiedler@www.reddeeradvocate.com