WOW –  by 5PM today “more than 5,000 people had come through the doors” of the new People’s Place Library in Antigonish according to Eric Stackhouse, Chief Librarian of Pictou – Antigonish Regional Library.  This new happening place on Main Street was buzzing with excitement as people had the opportunity to explore all the nooks and crannies of the building.

People of all ages from toddlers up to seniors all found something just made to order for them – in the children’s room toddlers were listening to a story and looking at the picture book, in another corner two children were putting on a puppet show for their younger sister, other children were admiring the large fish tank.

All over the building there is a variety of beautiful and colorful art work – pennants hanging from the ceiling, paintings displayed in the windows, a beautiful circular stained glass interior window, a huge fireplace with welcoming arm chairs and a carved sculpture mantle, a loom with a resident weaver who will be weaving on site over the next few months, a curving stone bench near the entrance way that reminds you of the sea, and a great mural above the reception desk.

People were lined up to get a library card, check out books and ask questions from the helpful staff.  The staff have been eagerly awaiting their chance to move into this new building which is a dream come true for many who have worked in cramped and difficult conditions for years.

ACALA – the  Antigonish County Adult Learning Association, and Health Connections now have their new home here.  There are study carrels that are perfect for quiet study of for 2 or 3 people to work together.  A large meeting room with a folding door that opens out into the community kitchen, and a small meeting room setup with a multimedia system, whiteboard and work group tables will be perfect for smaller meetings.  There are several areas that are inviting to sit and read or chat or work on a project together.   Computer workstations are available – or you can bring your own computer for the WiFi free area.

Although the outside area is not fully complete you can walk between College Street and the Post Office and when this is fully paved the outside area will be inviting with its patios and  views of Brierly Brook.

Congratulations and thank you to everyone on the tremendous effort that went into the planning and implementation of this new community area on Main Street – the Antigonish Town and County Library – indeed The People’s Place.  It looks like it will become a hub of traffic and interest right in the centre of Antigonish and has opportunities for people of all ages.

Here are a few photos from the opening day – May 24, 2011

Articles

Library Has Room To Spare.  Halifax Chronicle Herald