A photo posted May 27 shows new flooring that was installed as part of ongoing renovations. (Facebook/John M. Cuelenaere Public Library)

By Alison Sandstrom

Renovations ongoing

John M. Cuelenaere Library still aiming for summer reopening

Jun 24, 2020 | 5:08 PM

Ongoing renovations mean the John M. Cuelenaere Public Library won’t open on Monday when permitted by the province.

Director of Library Services, Alex Juorio told paNOW while they’d like to welcome the public back, and have been getting many inquiries, it simply isn’t physically possible right now.

“We know people want us to open, and we would like to,” he said. “As soon as it is physically possible, we are going to go all out to get something together.”

Juorio said the library board and management are currently discussing a target date for reopening. No date has been set yet, but he anticipates the facility likely won’t be ready to open until August.

“I think some kind of presence, be it curbside or something else, sometime in August would probably be reasonable,” Juorio said.

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Prince Albert city council approved $100,000 for repairs and renovations at the library in the 2020 budget. That money was supplemented by $228,780 from the library’s internal reserves. Over the past several months, floors and bathrooms have been redone and masonry has been repaired.

An photo from April shows the library in midst of renovations. (Facebook/John M. Cuelenaere Public Library)

Juorio explained they’re currently in the process of installing new shelving for the adult collections. That work is expected to be completed by the end of next week.

Next, around July 6, a mover will come and unbox the adult collection onto the shelves, then books will need to be re-ordered and organized, he said.

New furniture is also on order, but may not in place in time for reopening, Juorio said.

Ultimately the renovations aim to turn the library into a modern destination, whether it’s for academic study or just a cozy afternoon curled up with a good book.

“A place to do some research if you’re a student, or be in a community living room if you’re just looking for some recreational reading,” Juorio said.

In the meantime, while the library remains closed, their expanded online collection is still available.

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alison.sandstrom@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alisandstrom