When the new home for the Innisfail Public Library opened its doors on Jan. 23 it was quickly visited by library patrons eager to check out both books and the new space.
"I think it's really lovely," said Don Allen, who checked out the kids' area and then settled in to read a story to Neal Ziegler-Allen.
"It's nice," said Zieglar-Allen, who showed off the DVD he'd already found to take out in the kids' section.
Don pointed out the natural feel of the new building, which was originally scheduled to open last March and then in October.
"The open air is gorgeous," Don said of the space which was well-lit by many large windows.
Previously project manager Dale Mather said the delays were caused by "complexities." The old library closed in early November, and since that time library users have needed to head to Penhold or other locations to access library services.
Joseph Spiller, 10, said he was happy to see the library back in operation as he settled in with a graphic novel.
"Yeah," he said when asked if the new library was an improvement over the old one. He said his favourite section was "the junior section of the books."
Ken Graham, the former mayor of Innisfail, was pleased to check out the new facility.
"I'm excited to see it this far," Graham said, adding he was mayor when the plans were first being made.
Devirah Graham agreed with other comments about the new design, describing it as "so spacious and open."
"We need this," she said, alluding to future generations accessing the library.
The library will share the building with the Henday Association for Lifelong Learning and a seniors' centre. Library manager Laurie Hodges Humble said there will be an official grand opening for the whole building later this year.
Hodges Humble showed off some of the new additions to the library like tablet chairs, the kids' room, bistro tables and more.
The kids' section, which Hodges Humble described as "our most wonderful children's area" features lots of seating, books and whole separate kids' room. The area was donated and sponsored by the Innisfail Rotary Club.
Some new computers will be installed around the end of February.
"Once we get set up it's just going to be wonderful," Hodges Humble said, referring to the few finishing touches that need to be completed.
Hodges Humble said generous benefactors made possible good collections of audio books and genealogy materials.
"We have the best audio book collection in the Parkland system," she said.
The genealogy room is also going to be used every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as a space for career advisers to provide their services.
A highlight of the new space for Hodges Humble is "the natural light" and the improvements in general.
"It's open. Even our staff room is 100 per cent better than the last one," she said.
"It's quite beautiful," she added.
Referring to the people who came out right at noon for the opening, Hodges Humble said there was even an early-bird return last week.
"They're very happy we're here," Hodges Humble said. "This town has been waiting."
