More on the inside…

The figures are in. Area residents borrowed 33% more items from the new Tommy Douglas Library in its first full month of operation than they did from the old branch in December 2008.

Some of what is attracting them is the spacious light filled interior, the many types of seating, the quiet study areas with plugins for laptops, the aesthetics – plants, artwork, coloured glass windows; friendly and helpful staff and the collections – easier to find and to browse.

One particular piece of artwork worthy of attention is Bettina Matzkuhn’s fabric art piece in memory of a former Kingsway Branch staff person. The piece includes details that only those who knew her can fully appreciate but it can be enjoyed by anyone. It includes a depiction of the old Kingsway branch with a path leading up to the site of the new building showing  the Walker house that used to occupy that piece of land. Fabrics were deliberately chosen for their resonance with the cultures the diverse neighbourhood includes. It was commissioned by former Kingsway Branch Manager Caroline Christie. A picture is included here but it is best to see the real thing yourself. It’s located near the children’s program room.

By the end of this month, I will be turning over the position of “BlogMaster” for this blog to Roberta Summersgill, Branch Manager of the Tommy Douglas Library, who can continue to keep you up to date on what’s happening at our newest branch.

Deb Thomas, Deputy Chief Librarian

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