Library grand opening - vital services in a revitalized space

Ribbon cutting was a community event involving
local literati including dignitaries and young readers.
T. Lucas photos

Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

The Pincher Creek and District Library held a grand re-opening on  the afternoon on October 19, 2013.  Over 75 enthusiastic patrons were in attendance.  The renovations have transformed the library into a bright and future-looking space with an open concept design.  There's a video conference room,  better internet capabilities, and a children's nook.


Head Librarian Janice Day welcomed everyone and reminded us that this is phase one of planned  renovations to the facility.   Speeches were made, there was an official ribbon cutting that was a combined effort by local dignitaries and children.  Afterwards cake and refreshments were available.

"We've got everything we need now, we've got a Librarian's office,"  said Library Board member Mike Barkwith.   "We've got a wonderful multi-purpose room that is essentially sound proof.  The children's area I think is outstanding."

Earl Shields, past Chair of the Library Board

Board member Earl  Shields explained that when he moved to Pincher Creek he was impressed with the library.  "I had no idea that I would have anything to do with changing this library, or facilitating the change in this library."  Both Barkwith and Shields have been instrumental to the renovation process.

Library Board Chair Sandra Baker said she was thrilled with the many changes to the library.  She pointed out the conference room that is hooked up for video conferencing, the public access computers, and the better lighting that partially comes from better use of the windows that were always there but were previously blocked due to the way the shelving was arranged.  Of the children's area she said  "We want a comfy-cozy area for our readers in training."  She expressed her happiness that the Bert Riggall reading corner. complete with big comfortable chair,s is still available for those that want to make use of it.  She thanked many people for their support including the Town of Pincher Creek, the MD of Pincher Creek No. 9, and Shell Canada.

Children's area has rocking chairs, desks, and a great selection of books

Shell Canada donated $50,000.00 towards the renovation.  "As everyone in this room knows, these projects don't come about without a lot of hard work, both by the board and by the many volunteers in the community," said Shell Waterton Complex Manager Jim Little. He congratulated everyone on the re-opening of the library.

"We are very pleased as a Community Foundation to be able to support, in a small way, projects like this." said Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta Director Cliff Elle.  The foundation donated  $5,000.00  to the renovation, and donates close to $400,000.00 per year in the southwestern region of Alberta.

MD of Pincher Creek No. 9 Reeve Bjorn Berg was happy to observe that when he came onto the Library Board six years ago the focus was to improve the facilities.  "We kept on stream for the whole six years, and look at what we've done.  As a community project, this is just marvelous." Berg is also Chinook Arch Regional Library System Board Treasurer.

"This is really great., said Town of Pincher Creek Mayor Ernie Olsen.  "You can't ask for much more for a town of 35, 37 hundred people... throw in an MD of 35 hundred people."  He expanded to thank  to Librarian Day and the library staff for the work that has been done.

Assistant Director of the Chinook Arch Regional Library System Robin Thiessen - Hepher said that he has helped with other libraries during moves and renovations.  "It has ultimately resulted in me carrying books up and down flights of stairs," he said.  "You would have helped?" asked one wag in the audience.  This resulted in giggles from several and a grin from Thiessen - Hepher.  "Vital communities have vital libraries," he said, adding that he was not sure which one is the starting point for the other.  "Pincher Creek in particular is an example of a vital library."  

Acknowledgement was given to the library staff and volunteers, Friends of the Library, Library Board members, Pincher Creek Lions Club and the Pincher Creek Elks Club for their contributions.

A special thanks went out to Stephanie Hardy who was a vital part of the Friends of the Library.  Hardy passed away approximately one year ago and therefore didn't get to see this effort's completion.

Emmett and Cordilia will be growing up with this library

Caroline Johnson is a long term resident of the area and expressed that she thought the changes were good.  She talked about her experience of the library changing and it's growth.  "My first version was in the old Town Hall which was a big tall brick building, across from where the Post office is now,"  That building was built in approximately 1912-1915.  "That's where the public high school was.  Then the high school was closed, and the rooms became a library." Johnson believes that it stayed a library until 1967 when a new building was erected across from the Post Office.  "That was a (Canadian) Centennial Project."  The library moved to the current Main Street location in 1999.