The new shelving and setup allows for more spacious aisles and better flow. (Alison Sandstrom/paNOW Staff)

By Alison Sandstrom

Major renovations completed

A new chapter at John M. Cuelenaere Public Library

Dec 16, 2020 | 2:20 PM

While public health guidelines currently prohibit people from lingering in the space, the Prince Albert Public Library says it’s been getting plenty of positive feedback on recently completed renovations at its John M Cuelenaere branch.

Just over $400,000 worth of work was done on the building over the summer while it was closed due to the pandemic.

Some new features like this window counter with plugins are designed to appeal to younger users like University of Saskatchewan students. (Alison Sandstrom/paNOW Staff)

The east wing, which houses the majority of the roughly 100,000 items in the library’s adult and teen collections, has been completely transformed.

“Overall the comments have been overwhelmingly positive,” Alex Juorio, director of library services, told paNOW. “I’ve managed a lot of changes in libraries over the years and I know you can’t please everyone all the time, but in this case, people have been very happy.”

Court proceedings

Drugs and weapons bust in Stanley Mission, results in two year sentence

18h ago

health care

La Loche recipient of new portable blood analyzer, printer kit

19h ago

Crime

Dangerous driving report at Red Wing, leads to arrest of man with gun

23h ago

Photos of the library before renovations show stains on the carpet. (2020 Budget Committee Agenda/City of P.A.)

Renovations included the installation of completely new flooring, ceiling panels, LED lighting, and security cameras. Washrooms were also upgraded, along with repairs to the exterior brick wall and sidewalk.

New shelving and an updated layout are some of the most noticeable changes.

Most public seating, including the computer area has been temporarily removed because of public health restictions. (Alison Sandstrom/paNOW Staff)

Juorio explains the new set-up makes more efficient use of space with more room between aisles, no dead ends, and better flow.

The overall effect is welcoming, he said.

“We call it a community living room, a place that feels friendly,” Juorio continued. “We’ve done quite a few things to just make it nicer and that will result in more people coming in and visiting and staying a while when we’re through this pandemic. And that’s what we like to see, to keep the place busy and useful to the community.”

Jurio says the library considered buying lower shelving, but found that most people find the feeling of being surronded by books comforting. (Alison Sandstrom/paNOW Staff)

New furniture – including study tables, computer desks, couches, and comfortable chairs – is on order. However, Juorio explained it won’t be installed until after public health restrictions have loosened.

“As part of the pandemic response we’ve removed all of the features of the facility that make us a destination,” he explained, adding the public is being asked to limit their visits to 30 minutes. Curbside pick-up options continue to be available.

The most recent renovations at the library are part of a broader improvement plan that began on the children’s side of the facility around five years ago. In 2021, the library hopes to upgrade the lower floor and auditorium.

The gallery has also been renovated. (Alison Sandstrom/paNOW Staff)

This interior window was partially covered by shelving before the renovation. (Alison Sandstrom/paNOW Staff)

–

alison.sandstrom@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alisandstrom