It seems so long ago that the library first received notice to vacate from their public school space. Due to Alberta school districts implementing the Hour Zero Emergency Preparedness Protocols to make schools safer, the library had one year to search out a new home. It did not take long for the town, county, and library board members to agree upon moving it to the available space upstairs in the Multiplex. It just made sense, given the majority of the recreation and family activities center around the Multiplex. The original plans were to have their new space retrofitted to suit a library with an opening date set for early summer. Due to the pandemic, those plans changed. While it didn’t stop them, it did slow down construction for a few weeks.
Mojo Design Inc began construction in the spring, putting up walls, the ceiling, flooring, and adding in their unique flair for design and colours. Once the shelving and furniture were in place, the big task left was moving all the library inventory from the school to the Multiplex. Many volunteers stepped forward to assist, and in one day, they had all the books and equipment moved over. The final process was categorizing the books and placing them in their respective areas on the shelves. The library setting is one-of-a-kind with bright colours giving it a welcome cheery feel.
For those who haven’t had a previous sneak peek, it’s worth visiting. Due to COVID, safety measures are in place. Visitors need to sign in at the Multiplex’s front desk, and library occupancy is limited to a maximum of ten people at one time, with a stay of 30 minutes. The upside to being in their own space is the hours of operation, which is now six days a week. To learn more about activities and hours of operation, check out their website at www.foxcreeklibrary.ca.
Vicki Winger, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Whitecourt Press
