Decorating for new library starting to take shape

Last week the Airdrie Public Library was presented with an art piece that will be showcased in the new library when it is ready.

The library was presented with an art piece of Philippino national hero Dr. Jose Rizals' signature, according to Deb Cryderman Director of the library.

"It must be two feet high by four feet wide and simply gorgeous. It will be hung in the Dr. Jose Rizal Room in the new library. It turns out that this signature is also the first piece of public art for the new building, which is very exciting and it's also the first one in Canada."

Earlier this year, the library also received another special donation from the Consul General of the Philippines Zaldy Patron.

"He also gave us a gift of 16 books of either the history of the Philippines or about Jose Rizal, they are very special books."

With 216,710 Filipino residents, Alberta is home to the second-largest Filipino community in Canada, according to the results of the 2021 Census.

Photo of the books donated.

Currently, the library has a fundraising campaign ongoing to try and raise funds for new books for the library.

"We currently have approximately 80,000 books, which is great for a town of about 35,000 people. We are hoping to fundraise $1.5 million to double that number."

It won't be just books that will be bought with the money fundraised, the funds will be used to purchase any type of material that could be used to access information.

"There is no donation too big or too small that we can't make work."

While a lot needs to be planned, Cryderman mentioned they have selected shelving for the new library.

"That has gone out to tender and they're due back quite soon. We are now looking at furniture, signage and all kinds of different things."

Cryderman stated there are so many moving pieces right now and she is glad she has a whole team that works on it together.

"Nothing is finalized yet. I have great faith in the team to get it done right, on time and budget."

Cryderman finished off by saying they are also currently working on their plan of service for the new library as well.

Airdrie's new multi-use library and facility is slated to be opened in 2025. A name for the facility has yet to be chosen. 

Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@discoverairdrie.com. You can also message and follow us on Twitter: @AIR1061FM

DiscoverAirdrie encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the DiscoverAirdrie app. For breaking news, weather and contest alerts click here