Regent Park library opens
Rachelle Scott knows well the benefit of a close-by library.
Scott and her nine children live a block away from the new Regent Park Library.
She was at the grand opening of the Regina Public Library’s newest branch on Friday. She said it’s “amazing” to have it in the community.
“It’s really nice to borrow lots of books from the library, we borrow movies all the time, the kids come here for Internet,” said Scott.
Darlene Hincks, chair of the public library board, said the opening of the newest location wouldn’t have been possible without community support.
“It’s a great addition to our library system. We had the opportunity to move here about a year ago and so we took up the opportunity,” said Hincks.
The new library is a vision stemming from the RPL’s strategic plan to fundraise and revamp several of Regina’s libraries.
Jeff Barber, director and CEO of Regina Public Libraries, said the Regent Park branch is an example of where public libraries are going in terms of design and strategic space.
“We can do a lot in terms of this location for both rearrangement long term without a great deal of effort, but also in terms of opening it up for a larger event. We can just push things out of the way and actually have a lot of space,” said Barber.
The book shelves are on wheels to allow for a flexible space. Barber said there are spaces zoned for specific use.
Scott is particularly excited about the space designated for children.
“I really like that the kids area is in the back, so there’s not as much concern if kids make noise,” she said.
Located in the 300 block of Albert Street, the library is situated in a strip mall. Barber said that means more complimentary services are available to library visitors.
Barber said the final cost of the project hasn’t been calculated yet, but the total price was budgeted at around one million dollars.