The Crossings Branch of the Lethbridge Public Library is set to undergo an expansion, March 27, 2023. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Lethbridge Public Library Crossings Branch to expand

Mar 27, 2023 | 2:08 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – New and upgraded spaces are set to be installed at the library in west Lethbridge this year.

The Lethbridge Public Library has announced an expansion and enhancement of its Crossings Branch.

The project will utilize approximately 2,500 square feet of currently-unused space adjacent to the library.

Manager of Branch Services Sarah Head said the renovation will allow them to better serve the quickly-growing community on the west side.

“Through the expansion and enhancement, we are able to maximize our current spaces by providing dedicated and improved areas specific to customer needs, including the Indigenous community and youth,” said Head. “We are especially grateful to the Friends of the Library whose generosity has afforded us the ability to significantly improve the furnishings in our children’s area.”

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According to a news release from the Lethbridge Public Library, the expansion and enhancement project will include:

• An expanded and re-located children’s area that includes programming space and easy access to washroom facilities and staff support.
• An improved and re-located teen space that provides dedicated areas for different uses of the space with teen-friendly amenities.
• An Indigenous gathering space, which welcomes all visitors while honouring the traditional knowledge and occupants of the land the library is on.
• Additional public washrooms.
• Additional staff working space to accommodate the expanded staffing of the branch over the last several years.
• A strategic redesign of the library interior to provide better access to washrooms and staff support.
• Additional furniture and collections that meet the needs of the west Lethbridge population.

The Crossings Branch expansion project is funding by the City of Lethbridge Capital Improvement Program, the City of Lethbridge Library Board, and a donation from the Friends of Lethbridge Public Library.

The total cost of the project is $1,050,000, but officials say $212,000 of that was already spent on an upgrade to the library’s HVAC system in 2018.

City Councillor Ryan Parker said he is pleased to see that this initiative will soon by underway.

“This is great news for our community, as the designs will provide some additional space and upgrades to serve a growing population and need for services,” said Parker. “Council is thrilled to support this through its Capital Improvement Program funding.”

Construction on the library expansion and enhancement is set to begin at the end of March and is expected to be completed by the end of 2023.

READ MORE: Lethbridge Public Library to continue free memberships into 2023