CFLSA

More Space, More Users, More Programs

"The $90,000 grant from the Lethbridge Community Foundation and the anonymous donor put us over the top in our two year fundraising campaign for a new library, and we are thrilled," said Laura Ross-Giroux, Taber Library Board chairperson. "We danced in the aisles when we got the news."

The new library, which replaces its 43-year-old predecessor, is three times the size of the old building and comfortably holds the collection, which has grown from 7,000 to over 38,000 items. "The old building was dark, drafty, not wheelchair accessible, had woefully inadequate washroom facilities and was not nearly large enough," said Laura. "We desperately needed a new facility."

The Library Board undertook extensive research, talking with patrons about their desires for the new facility and visiting other institutions. "We picked the best of what we saw and included it," she said. The community is embracing the new library. "We have more than 3,000 visitors a month, and our membership has doubled since we opened the new facility," Laura said.

The new library has a history room, a reading lounge with a fireplace and easy chairs, a large work area for staff, a versatile programming space that can be divided into two rooms, and new public washrooms located near the programming rooms, making them easily accessible for people attending events after regular library hours. "We also have dedicated spaces for children and young adults and a boardroom," Laura added.

Plans are now underway to expand programming and hours of operation. "We've added a teen advisory group and are looking at showing movies and introducing a lecture series. We will soon have to hire a full-time program coordinator," said Laura with a smile. "It is so exciting to see all our work come to fruition and have people in the community use it and enjoy it."