New elementary school in Red Deer

New Timberlands school will have public library branch

(Red Deer, Alberta) – As part of this year’s capital budget, City Council approved funding for a public library branch in the Timberlands elementary school set to open in September 2014. Council approved up to $450,000 in 2013 for the new branch that will provide library services to the school and the public.

City support for the project allows for approximately 150 square metres of additional library space, and allows for the public library branch to operate similar to the arrangement at the G.H. Dawe Community Centre.

“This is a great opportunity for partnership in our community,” said Mayor Morris Flewwelling. “The library will be a great resource for students, and provide a gathering space for the community to use and to enjoy the programs offered by the public library board.”

A public library branch will create stronger connections in the community and emphasize the importance of literacy and education in the community, said Lawrence Lee, Board Chair of the Red Deer Public School Board.

“Literacy is a top priority for Red Deer Public Schools as it really is at the heart of education,” Lee said. “Working in partnership with the library and The City will be a tremendous benefit to all the students in our new school.”

Red Deer Public Library will operate the facility and offer public and school programs.

“We are very excited about this project and partnering with the school board and The City,” said Dean Frey, Director of Red Deer Public Library. “We want to continue to grow library service in the city and offer great programs for residents.”

The Library Board will be applying for provincial grants to support the project and will also explore fundraising options with corporate and service clubs in the community.

The partnership between the three organizations comes at a time of milestone achievements. 2013 marks The City’s centennial and Red Deer Public Schools celebrate their 125th anniversary the same year. Red Deer Public Library will be celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2014.