Big plans for Virden library after renovation
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VIRDEN – The head librarian at Border Regional Library plans to add movie nights, a 3-D printer, and club space to the facility following renovations this summer.
Librarian Laranda Bailey said she is focused on adding new programming to go along with a new floor plan at the library at 312 Seventh Avenue South. The facility has been redesigned after it received several grants and donations this year.
“We’re feeling very excited,” Bailey told the Sun. “It is just a whole world of difference in here. It feels more welcome. It feels more modernized.”
New windows allow a lot more natural light to pour in, and the old lights have been replaced, Bailey said. Construction crews also replaced the carpets and redesigned the floor plan with added rooms, and installed a new water fountain. The kids’ space has been relocated into its own enclosed room.
The library started renovations in March, and wrapped up in late September.
Staff are showcasing the changes in a grand re-opening at the library today with a special segment with refreshments at 7 p.m. and speeches starting at 7:30 p.m.
Bailey said the library is looking to make use of its new interior by way of community programming. Staff are looking to factor in a 3-D printer, a Nintendo Switch gaming console and a flat-screen television, which the library received grants for from the province. The equipment will be acquired hopefully before the end of the year, she said.
The goal is to drive more community involvement, Bailey said. The library had about 300 weekly visitors before the renovation, and is aiming to raise that number to 400.
To help engage with the community, staff are looking to add and lend equipment not related to books as well, Bailey said. The community’s disc-golf equipment will be lended through the library, she said, and staff are also looking at other items to lend such as snowshoes, board games, skates, camping gear and birdwatching gear.
“Were trying to do more community partnerships,” she said. “A true community space.”
Club events and movie nights are also planned for the future of the library. A community room has been engineered into the back of the building, designed to be accessible after hours. Library staff plan to offer this room up for community events in the future.
Mayor Tina Williams said the renovations have been spoken about for a long time, but funding came together all at once and made the changes possible.
The list of funders for the renovation includes community groups and private donors out of Virden, Oak Lake, Brandon, the RM of Wallace-Woodworth and the Province of Manitoba.
» cmcdowell@brandonsun.com