The Midale Library relocated this week into a much-anticipated larger space.  

The previous branch was housed in the civic center and is now in a standalone building on Main Street. 

“It filled our needs then, but we have grown as a library and needed more space so we could breathe,” said branch librarian Jerry-Lee Jones.  

The new building boasts a larger multipurpose area, with a kitchen and washrooms. This means they can add additional programming, as well as rent the space out to people in the community.  Jones added that the central location will also make accessing the library easier than ever. 

“We will be able to have more cooking programs. We have an outside space now where we will be able to utilize that during the nice seasonal weather,” said Jones.  

Jones said they have received a lot of community support amidst the move. With some community members volunteering their time to get the books shelved as quickly as possible. 

The Midale Library offers a variety of children's programs, including an after-school program on Wednesdays. On Fridays, they host a story time for the youngest children in the community and their caregivers.  

They also offer programming for teens and sometimes see upwards of 20 young people coming to take part in the activities. Jones said having programming for youth is important in the community outside of sports, and they look forward to being able to fill in that gap.  

Desiree Simpson, the library chairperson, said that when she moved into the community the library helped her make friends and become part of the community.  

Becky Schofield, assistant branch librarian said that she also found the library a great way to reintegrate into the community. She said she was able to meet a lot of people, especially other moms. Schofield said it’s important that her two daughters can participate in the programming too.  

All three women said they are excited to see what changes they will see with the new space. There are additional fixtures and furniture set to arrive, they will be adding a new outdoor sign, and fixing up the steps, and parking in the coming weeks.