‘It’s a lovely, bright space’
Kingston’s revamped library is now open to the public
Kingston’s new and improved library is now open to the public.
The Kingston Library was renovated and expanded as part of a $550,000 project jointly supported by the federal and provincial governments, Canada Post, the Village of Kingston and local donors.
Angela Reynolds, community engagement co-ordinator for Annapolis Valley Regional Library (AVRL), said the project began with public consultation in 2019, with construction getting underway in June 2020. The library, housed in the former village office at 671 Main St., reopened on Jan. 23.
AVRL’s Kingston branch first opened in 1972.
Reynolds said the construction included extensive renovations to the ceilings to create a more open space.
“It was really small. It was not big enough for the community to enjoy the kind of activities people wanted to do in the Kingston Library, such as programming and being in a comfortable space.”
Visitors can use the library’s extensive online resources and programming, or visit the space to borrow books, audiobooks, magazines, and movies. Individuals ages 18 and over can also use specialized equipment, including a 3D printer and scanner, industrial sewing machines, Lego robotics, and snap circuits in an Innovation Lab funded by the Canada Post Community Fund.
Visitors need to comply with pandemic-related health protocols, such as wearing masks and social distancing. Restrictions also limit the number of visitors allowed at one time to ten people. Visitors can stay in the space for 30 minutes.
“Our mission is to help build a strong community through sharing our collection and our connections,” Reynolds said.
“Once we get back to being able to let more people in and let them stay longer, we expect it’s going to be a place where people come and feel comfortable to be there, like it’s their living room.”
Community libraries keep social connections alive for people who need them, especially during the pandemic.
“There are a lot of people who live alone, or their families live far away. A library is a place where people come for social connections. Even if it’s only for a half-hour, they can still come in and have that social connection and be in the space with other people,” Reynolds said.
“I’m proud of the fact that we opened a gorgeous library in the middle of a pandemic,” Reynolds said.
Village commissioner Muriel West counts herself among the area residents thrilled with the new library space.
“It’s a lovely, bright space three times the size of our old library,” she said.
“So, we will be able to offer more programs and services to the village and the surrounding community, and we have expanded our hours.”
West said the village commission saw the value of the project as a drawing card.
“It behoves us as commissioners to enhance our village in every way possible to make it more appealing for people to come here and people to stay here.”
Information on the hours of operation and the programs offered by the local branches of the Annapolis Valley Regional Library is available at:
https://www.valleylibrary. ca/about-library or https:// www.valleylibrary.ca/calendar/2021-02
To learn more by telephone, call 902-765-3631.