The Red Deer Public Library’s downtown branch is set to reopen for the first time in a year on Monday.
Finishing touches are being put on the new air handler system, said CEO Shelley Ross.
The “huge,” almost half million dollar, HVAC overhaul should be good for another thirty years, she added. The project was funded by the city and a matching Community Facility Enhancement Program grant, as well as some library board contributions.
Mayor Tara Veer, Red Deer South MLA Jason Stephan, and library board chair Mark Waters will be doing an official ribbon cutting at 9:55 a.m. at the branch – “and then we’ll open our doors wide to the public for the first time in a year” at 10 a.m., said Ross.
Patrons must wear a mask covering their nose and mouth. Those wearing face shields will also have to wear a mask. No food or drink can be brought into the facility, and patrons will require to follow all additional AHS guidelines, including distance.
At 15 per cent capacity, 110 people at a time can enter the downtown branch. “We will enforce a one-hour limited visit at times when we near capacity,” said Ross.
Those who still feel unsafe entering public spaces, or who do not wish or are unable to wear a mask can continue to use the library’s curbside service.
The Timberlands and Dawe library branches are already open.