The Mary C. Moore Public Library is about to have a bit more space to expand their regular programming. The library is taking part in the City of Lacombe’s new initiative aimed at community collaboration with the Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEOI). Starting on January 1, 2023, the Mary C. Moore Library will be leasing the Kinsmen Room at the Lacombe Memorial Centre.
“We're looking forward to seeking out like-minded organizations for partnerships. We look forward to reaching out to Echo Food Rescue. I don't know if a lot of people know that's the previous location that was the Parent Link. We are super excited because it has a kitchen. These are all exciting things for us because we're hoping to do some food security programs,” said Head Librarian, Christina Petrisor.
The library will continue using the space indefinitely as long as they continue to rent it.
Petrisor says they are still figuring out just how they will make use of the space but there are a lot of exciting ideas in the works.
“We are going to look at programs, whether it's like preparing meals or our existing spice program that one of our adult programmers runs. You subscribe and get a monthly spice and then she had tasting events. This is just going to be so much more exciting for us,” said Petrisor.
Petrisor is also welcoming ideas from the community.
“We're open to any ideas because we're going to be looking to expand programming and make even more things accessible in rural Alberta,” she added.
Since pandemic restrictions have lifted, Petrisor says library programming has been very popular. The library is looking forward to a large celebration to wrap-up their summer reading program with a magician on August 18 at the LMC’s Centennial Hall. Petrisor is also encouraging families to sign up for children’s programing at 10 AM on August 31 because it tends to fill up very quickly.
“When I started here, I said within five years I'm going to need more space and it's been 15 [years] on January 2nd. This is a huge reward for me,” said Petrisor who noted that the library has applied for extra space in the past.
Petrisor is very thankful to Council for giving the library a bit more space to grow.
“We can't say enough to the Council for having faith in us to give us the space. We're looking forward to doing many great things for the community and surrounding area. That's the reason we want the space, so we can continue to enhance what we do and we're blown away like we're just happier than ever,” she added.