The second phase of Red Deer Public Library renovations will start in early March.
Tenders go out today for the new member services desk located in the Link, the main entrance connecting the adult services section to the children’s section.
“We’ll be working around construction in the Link,” said library director Dean Frey.
“That will be a bit of a challenge for us.”
A bigger challenge will be accommodating computer, non-fiction book and magazine users when the third phase of renovations calls for fourth-floor ceiling and light replacement.
“We’ll shut down that level for six to eight weeks and we’re coming up with a plan right now,” said Frey, who said the ceiling contains “a small amount” of asbestos and contractors “will be doing that abatement first.”
The $450,000 project’s first phase was done last fall when the children’s department was closed a month for $116,000 in renovations to cover new flooring, paint and furniture.
Funding comes from a federal $225,300 Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund grant, a $100,000 provincial Community Facility Enhancement Program grant, and the remainder from the city and the library’s operating reserve.
“It’s hard for our staff and our members, but by the end of June we’ll be done,” said Frey.