MELFORT — With a feasibility study in the works for the Melfort Community Library, members of the library’s board and staff presented some of their current needs to city council.
Julie Lacroix, chair of the Melfort Library board, said they would like the result of the feasibility study to be a library that will benefit the city and give them the ability to expand current programs and services.
“We have a wonderful library, we have lots of programs that people can get a lot out of – we’re more than books and computers,” Lacroix said.
Features the library is requesting include:
- functioning washroom facilities, addressing plumbing issues;
- accessibility with a front door auto opener;
- heating, ventilation, air conditioning with replacing the upper heating unit;
- electrical upgrade for additional computers and charging stations;
- window replacement;
- interior painting;
- a millwork upgrade;
- and additional storage space for programming supplies and book sale materials that are collected year round.
They have also requested additional space to host events such as Storytimes, as the existing room is too small due to social distancing. In addition, event sizes are limited by space requirements, limiting fundraising opportunities and requiring furnishings to be moved around to host events.
Another request is to increase the acquisition budget, which has not been increased in 20 years, and new shelving options for additional display purposes.
The City of Melfort has previously expressed a possibility of moving the current library to the historic post office. While the board and staff said they understand it as an option, they have concerns and asked that the feasibility study include studying the existing library location incorporating expansion and renovations, as well as the option of building a new library attached to the Kerry Vickar Centre allowing for sharing of a city owned multi-use space.
In the “future library vision” board and staff are requesting:
- a space with good sight lines to allow staff ease in monitoring library patrons and the facility;
- programming spaces;
- space for expansion of the collection;
- display areas;
- increased access to computers and technology accommodating a stronger demand for electronic media use;
- storage;
- a janitor's room;
- staff amenities including parking with electrical access;
- a staff break room with kitchen facilities, preparation area for crafts and programming;
- as well as a location that includes good parking for seniors and young mothers with toddlers and access to outdoor space for all seasons.
Glenn George, Melfort’s mayor, said the strategic planning meeting will take place at the end of the month which will determine when the feasibility study will take place. He guaranteed that the library board and staff will be a part of the process.
“If we do a feasibility study, you think whoever we’re going to hire isn’t going to get a hold of the library?” George said. “They’ll be a part of it.”
What the Melfort Community Library does
In 2021, over 50,000 items borrowed from the library (books, DVDs and more); while over 4,000 visitors used the computers in 2021.
Some of the services and supports offered include:
- a home to career services and a job search resource centre;
- newcomers to Canada resources;
- outreach programming for the Food Bank and North East Outreach and Support Services (NEOSS);
- a distribution centre for COVID-19 test kits, Girl Guide cookies and music festival programs;
- test proctors;
- assisting the setup of E-Health accounts and print QR codes;
- assistance with social media and other computer skills;
- as well as printing and copying services to the public.
It also hosts a space for book readings by Saskatchewan authors, Saskatchewan Health Authority programming, tutoring and individuals offering free income tax preparation service.
