Nan Boothby Memorial Library will close April 3 for an estimated month, while the library is “spruced up” as part of an ongoing renovation project.
Cochrane’s library building has been standing since 2000, and in the 15 years that have followed, there has been no rejuvenation to inside fixtures and fittings of the location.
Titled “Project Facelift,” the library will receive new carpets, a new paintjob, with a little reconstruction, as well as some new offices, which was decided by the library board.
Funding efforts have been in place since 2013 to obtain funding to update the library, and these renovations are only the first phase of many, according to Marcia Johnston, Nan Boothby Memorial Library executive director.
Phase two is expected to feature a few more add-ons to the library system, such as self-serve checkouts and updated furniture.
Some current shelving will be reconstructed to a more efficient layout, which is expected to let more light into the building, without exposing window-side books to too much sunlight, therefore prolonging their life.
Shelving in the “rotary area” will also be exchanged for mobile shelving, which would, therefore, create more space for meetings in that location.
During the library’s closure, items from their collection will not be available or be able to be returned. Patrons currently have no checkout limit and are asked to return books when the library reopens to the public.
Patrons can reserve books through “virtually any library in Alberta” during the closure, according to Johnston. Reserved books can be picked up at Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) on Wednesday and Friday afternoons, as well as Thursday evenings.
The renovations are expected to give the library more flexibility to provide space, said Johnston.
The library would also appreciate people avoiding the building during the renovations and refraining from dropping off items and donations outside of the premises.
For more information on the closure visit cochranepubliclibrary.ca.
