Library lands government funding for upgrades

Red Deer MP Earl Dreeshen was happy to be back in Red Deer to bring some good news to one of the City’s oldest institutions.

Dreeshen, on behalf of Lynne Yelich, minister of state for Western Economic Diversifications, announced infrastructure support towards the Red Deer Public Library.

The announcement was made that through the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF), $225,300 will be provided to the Red Deer Library Board for upgrades.

CIIF supports, on a cost-shared basis, repairs and improvements to existing community infrastructure accessible to the public such as Red Deer’s downtown library.

“The Government of Alberta is very proud to join with the Red Deer Library Board and the Government of Canada in upgrades to the Red Deer Public Library with the Community Facility Enhancement Program grant of $100,000,” said Mary Anne Jablonski, MLA for Red Deer North.

These funds will support electrical upgrades and the installation of new air conditioning equipment along with several other interior renovations including replacing the ceiling and the lighting on the third and fourth levels of the library.

According to Duncan Anderson, chair of the Red Deer Library Board, with economics being what they were and demands being what they were, the reality was that the library was not going to be able to do all of the upgrades that needed to be done.

However, now that the federal government has stepped in with the additional funding the library will be able to go through with projects they did not think they would be able to do.

These upgrades will reduce operating costs, create a more energy efficient facility and provide a more comfortable, modernized learning space for public enjoyment.

“Further, this investment will prepare the library for its upcoming 2014 centennial celebrations and ensure the legacy of this modernized learning space remains in the community for years to come,” said Dreeshen.

“I am delighted to see that our government’s investment in community, facilities and spaces are being met with great enthusiasm and here in Central Alberta investments through our government’s CIIF are upgrading existing community infrastructures while generating economic benefits in the process,” said Dreeshen.

This fund is a key part of the government’s plan to create jobs, growth and long-term prosperity.

Libraries are integral facilities that provide communities with accessible resources for academics, educational and recreational use, said Dreeshen. He added that while the world is changing with new technologies, libraries continue to be a valuable resource for young and adult learners alike.

“Across Alberta community-based organizations are stepping up and identifying needs and mobilizing to make sure those needs are addressed,” said Jablonski. “It is through their efforts that young people, families and the most vulnerable in our communities have access to programs, services and facilities that improve quality of life for our citizens.

“This makes our community stronger and makes our community more welcoming.”