The Honourable Elmer MacFadyen, Minister Responsible for the Provincial Library Service, announced the extension of hours at the Confederation Centre Public Library at an open house to celebrate recent renovations to the library yesterday. Beginning today, the Confederation Centre Public Library will be open to the public on Mondays. In the past, the library has remained closed on Mondays to allow staff time to perform routine but necessary tasks to manage the library collections.
"For many years, library patrons in Charlottetown and surrounding areas have asked us to consider opening the library on Mondays," said Minister MacFadyen. "Given the benefits of modern technologies and our ability to increase efficiency, I am pleased to announce that we are now in a position to grant that request. Beginning on Monday, November 10, 2003, the Confederation Centre Public Library will be open to the public on Mondays."
Through the use of technology, the Confederation Centre Public Library has been able to reduce or eliminate the time required for some of the behind the scene tasks of the library such as the mailing of overdue notices. This will allow staff to concentrate their efforts on front line service to the public.
"These changes follow government's decision last year to increase library hours at many rural library branches," said Minister MacFadyen. "I am confident that this change will allow us to continue to provide the best possible library services to Islanders."
The announcement was made in conjunction with an open house to celebrate recent renovations to the Confederation Centre Public Library. Patrons returning to the library will see fresh new colours on the walls, a new patterned carpet, and a return to the original layout of the shelving. Less visible changes are new steps and upgrades to electrical and mechanical systems, improved lighting as well as new computer desks, check-out area and other furnishings.
Funds for the renovations were provided by the Government of Prince Edward Island, the federal Department of Canadian Heritage as part of a general upgrade to the building and the Trustees of the Legislative and Public Library and the friends of the Confederation Centre Public Library.
Joining Minister MacFadyen at the open house were Mayor of the City of Charlottetown, George MacDonald, CEO of the Confederation Centre of the Arts, David MacKenzie, members of the Trustees of the Legislative and Public Library, Friends of the Confederation Centre Public Library and patrons of the library.