By Sheldon Spackman

Ready To Open

Library’s downtown branch to reopen next week

Mar 17, 2021 | 1:22 PM

Officials with Red Deer Public Library (RDPL) confirm they will indeed be opening the downtown branch to the public on March 22 as planned.

CEO Shelley Ross says final touches are currently being installed on the building’s new $500,000 HVAC system, which was funded by the City of Red Deer and a matching Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP) grant, along with contributions from the library board.

A short ribbon cutting ceremony with local dignitaries is scheduled to take place shortly before 10:00 a.m. on Monday to commemorate the reopening.

Ross notes it will be the first time in an entire year that the library and its downtown branch will be open for the public.

“Patrons must wear a mask covering the nose and mouth at all times, must add a mask if they are wearing a face shield, no food or drink, following all additional AHS guidelines including distance, and limited touching,” she explains. “We are at 15 per cent capacity, so that’s 110 people downtown. We will enforce a one hour limited visit at times when we near capacity.”

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The Alberta government announced on March 1 that libraries could reopen to the public at 15 per cent of fire code occupancy, not including staff.

The Dawe and Timberlands branches opened to the public on March 15.

Related: Red Deer Public Library Reopening starting March 15

For those who do not feel safe entering public spaces, do not wish to wear a mask, or find themselves unable to wear a mask, RDPL will continue to offer its popular curbside service.

For more information, visit rdpl.org/covid19.