Red Deer Public Library is taking books to where many people live.
The library is piloting a fourth branch in southeast Red Deer, at the Collicutt Centre. It’s to open by the end of August.
After a year, library officials will evaluate the success of this project and consider making it permanent. But library CEO Shelley Ross already predicts the new outlet will be “wildly popular,” given that so many families go to the Collicutt Centre for sports and other activities.
The goal is to bring basic services in the southeast corner of the city — which is something Red Deerians have been requesting, said Ross.
“We love it when our patrons give us feedback that encourages us to explore new things,” she added.
At roughly 600 square feet, the space across from the Collicutt Centre’s main admissions desk can only accommodate a small selection of adult and children’s books and periodicals. Ross likened the concept to the old bookmobiles trailers that used to bring library materials into suburban neighbourhoods.
But a pickup service will also be available, so library users can borrow materials from any of the city’s other three local branches and pick them up from the Collicutt.
Ross said this will be primarily a self-serve branch as library staff may not be present at all times. On-site signage and instructions will be provided, and library users can contact staff at other locations during normal library operating hours by using the phone available in the Collicutt outlet.
“All public libraries are based on trust,” added Ross. “Every day we trust that our patrons will bring back the things that they borrow… so that many people can share the same materials.
“We trust that our patrons will help us keep the space welcoming in every way, helping each other when they get the chance.”
With free parking, RDPL officials hope this library expansion will be well-used by the community.
The new branch will be open later than other libraries, observing Collicutt Centre hours, which are 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays, 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends, and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on holidays. Ross hopes this will suit people who are working longer shifts.
Denis Delmont, the City of Red Deer’s Collicutt Centre supervisor, is confident the new outlet will be well-received. It “will be a great addition to the facility, truly making it a multi-faceted space to enjoy recreation and leisure activities,” said Delmont.
Red Deer Public Library’s three other branches are in the downtown, at the G.H. Dawe Community Centre, and in Timberlands.
