(From left to right): TNRD CAO Scott Hildebrand, Ashcroft Library Branch Head Deanna Porter, Gold Trail School District Co-Chair Carmen Ranta, TNRD Board Chair Barbara Roden, local artist Esther Darlington, Fraser-Nicola MLA Jackie Tegart, TNRD Chief Librarian Judy Moore at the opening of the Ashcroft Library. (Photo via TNRD)
With significant renovations complete, the Ashcroft library is reopening with a new program called the service extender – which the TNRD says is the first-of-its-kind in the province.
The Thompson-Nicola Regional District says it allows people to visit the Ashcroft library beyond regularly-staffed hours, doubling the opportunity for visits from the current 26 hours to 52 hours per week.
People will be able to check out items, use the Wi-Fi and public computers, as well as the study spaces and meeting rooms.
“We’re excited to now have an improved Ashcroft Library to serve residents and support rural sustainability,” Chief Librarian, Judy Moore said. “Ashcroft is the perfect community to launch the Service Extender innovation.
“Our plan is to introduce this service at our rural libraries across the Thompson-Nicola Regional District.”
The TNRD says while the service extender program has been introduced in northern European libraries and two eastern Canadian library systems, the technology used in Ashcroft was developed in-house by library and IT staff. The program is currently being tested before it is fully implemented.
According to the TNRD, the new interior renovations at the Ashcroft library have added 325 more square feet of public space, and an improved layout and design that focuses on collections merchandising. It also says the new design draws on natural tones, texture and style, and is inspired by the unique geography of the TNRD.
It also includes a refreshed community meeting room space and will showcase community art on a rotating basis.
Barbara Roden, TNRD board chair and mayor of Ashcroft, said in a statement the Ashcroft Library has been at the heart of the community for nearly 50 years.
“When the construction of a new Ashcroft Library was announced in 1974, the TNRD board noted ‘the importance of the library developing into a lively cultural and educational centre in the community,” Roden said.
“These renovations, upgrades, and new features such as the Service Extender ensure that it will continue in that role for many years to come.”
For more information on the Ashcroft Library and the Service Extender Program, go here.
