Innisfail bookworms will be without a library until early January.
The library closed last week so staff could clear it out and make way for renovations that will turn the Mary Morton Public Library into the town’s new fire hall.
A new $8.5-million gathering place that will house a library, seniors centre and meeting rooms is nearing completion but won’t be ready until early next year.
Library manager Laurie Hodges Humble said staff are packing up the books and other library materials to put them into storage until the new building is ready.
The library will use the time until the new building opens for staff professional development.
They will spend time on computer training, and reviewing freedom of information and privacy and access to copyright procedures.
Hodges Humble said she plans to spend time updating the library’s policies and procedures manual.
Once the new library is completed, it will take about two weeks to set up, she said. She anticipates the public will like what they see.
“I think it’s going to be a beautiful building. It’s bigger and it’s all on one floor.”
Meanwhile, library patrons can use other libraries in the Parkland Regional Library system, including those in Penhold, Bowden and Spruce View. Those who have checked-out books can renew them online or return them to another library in the system. Red Deer Public Library is not part of the system.
Last month, a ground-breaking ceremony was held for the $1.8-million downtown fire station to be built on the site of the Mary Morton Public Library.
The project will involve renovating the existing library to convert it into offices, and training, staff, exercise and club rooms.
Male and female change rooms, an emergency operations centre and a hose-drying tower will also be created.
Seven equipment bays will round out the design and will be built on the library’s parking lot. Construction of the fire hall is expected to wrap up late spring of next year.