Pipestone Flyer
Trustee Chairman Lola Coombes and trustee David Swinburnson reported to the Calmar Town Council their success in raising the $125,000.00 needed for the planned expansion of the library and received approval of the project.
A major portion of the funds was announced through a letter from the Honourable Diana McQueen on behalf of the Honourable Heather Klimchuk, Minister of Alberta Culture of the library’s application for a Community facility Enhancement Program (CFEP) grant. The grant of $100,000.00 will assist in the upgrades to the Calmar Municipal Library.
The purpose of the CFEP program is to assist Albertans in improving “people places” and the library’s expansion is an excellent example of meeting the program’s goals and objectives.
The expansion proposal was first made in 2012 and was estimated to cost $125,000.00. Through hard work the library board was able to acquire the additional $25,000.00 with commitments from Leduc County and the Town of Calmar. The board realizes the proposal was based on 2012 dollars and is confident that planned fund raising events and donations will cover any possible shortfall.
The expansion will be approximately 1400 square feet and allow space for programs and an office. The library has seen consistent growth with current circulation of over 1300 items per month and the hosting of groups, at both the adult and children level, that take advantage of the library’s resources. Then there is always Taco the Sssstorytime Ssssnake who will listen to you read.