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Edmonton Public Library's newest branch opens in a strip mall

When you think library, you picture a cavernous spaces brimming with books but the newest branch of the Edmonton Public Library is a 3,100 sq. ft. building in a strip mall. EPL staff says the McConachie branch is a small spot that will make a big difference for people living in northeast of Edmonton.

A new type of library taking off in McConachie, named after an aviation pioneer

Adrienne Lamb · CBC News ·
Rob Henderson shows off some of the new equipment at the McConachie branch. (John Robertson)
The newest branch of the Edmonton Public Library is sandwiched between a pizza joint and a dental office in a strip mall in the northeast of the city. 
Programming for children already drawing a crowd to the new branch. (Edmonton Public Library)

But Rob Henderson is hoping the McConachie location at 166th Avenue and 50th Street will make a big difference.

The library services coordinator says they've packed a lot into this 3,100-square-foot space.

Henderson points to a photocopier, computers and large shelves filled with movies and music. 
The neighbourhood established in 2006 is named after bush pilot and aviation pioneer George (Grant) McConachie. (City of Edmonton Archives (EA-600-2605a))

"We've got the children's area over here where we have sing, sign, laugh and learn and the baby lap time."

The new space will serve a growing community, said Linda Garvin, an EPL director for branch services. 

"When we don't have opportunity to provide a full service point, then what are our other options that might be available to us? And a kiosk library is one such option." 
Politicians and dignitaries will be part of the official opening of the branch on Monday, March 21 starting at 10 a.m. (Adrienne Lamb)

Garvin said the total cost of the project is about $400 000.

"We know people want a space to come to, and we looked at providing as much service as we could in that space."

Garvin said they've signed a five-year lease on the location and they're looking at similar arrangements in the southwest of the city that is also a "growing area void of services." 

The McConachie branch is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. It is open from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.

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