Duane Hicks
Library patrons had better be sure to stock up on books, DVDs, and other materials this weekend as the Fort Frances Public Library will be closed May 17-31 so staff and volunteers can make the move to the new facility adjacent to the Memorial Sports Centre.
Chief librarian Margaret Sedgwick said plenty of people have volunteered to help with the move, which actually will start at the end of this week while the current Church Street site is still open.
“We’re very happy and impressed that over 100 people have signed up to help us move,” noted Sedgwick.
“The electrician for the new facility, Mark Caron, has generously volunteered his staff to help us with some of the large items on Friday [May 14],” she added.
This will include the shelving from the Children’s Department.
“So we’re asking everyone to be especially patient with us on the weekend when we will be open regular hours . . . and moving at the same time,” said Sedgwick.
The library has extended due dates on items to be returned, and if for whatever reason patrons need to return materials during the two-week period, the drop box at the old library will remain open while they are closed.
Anyone needing books, magazines, movies, CDs, etc. should stock up now.
The new library will open June 1.
“We don’t expect everything to be in place by June 1, but it will give us three weeks to be prepared for our grand opening on June 21,” Sedgwick reasoned.
Meanwhile, Community Services manager George Bell said work on the new Fort Frances Public Library Technology Centre is 96 percent complete.
He told council Monday evening that bricklayers and landscapers are on site this week, and were expected to get all their work done within two weeks.
The mechanical and electrical consultants completed their inspections last week, and the architect was to be here today to do his final inspection.
Shelving is being installed right now, and the radio-frequency identification system (to check out books) has been installed.
Computer servers also have been installed, although the computers won’t be brought in until the computer desks arrive and are set up.
The presentation technology equipment will be installed next week, at which time staff will be receive training on it.
Meanwhile, Phase II of the local Heritage Tourism Project is nearing completion.
Banners have been put up on Scott Street, Victoria Avenue, and along the riverfront.
Town maps highlighting the various points of interest are being installed at the east and west entrances to the town, as well as at the tourist information centre, Sorting Gap Marina, and Legion Park.
Interpretive panels will be installed along the riverfront by Saturday—in time to open the Hallett, lookout tower, and Sorting Gap Marina.
As well, plans are being finalized for “Tourism Week” activities, with the grand opening of the heritage sites slated for Friday, June 4.
