While the satellite Bragg Creek Library has been available for users for several months, its founders are pleased to be able to hold its grand opening celebration this Thursday, Oct. 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. for the public to enjoy.

Located in the front lobby of the Bragg Creek Centre, it's been in the works for several years and made possible by a consortium of contributors that includes the Bragg Creek Community Association, Rocky View County, Marigold Library System, and Cochrane Library.

It incorporates library lending lockers, designed to extend the coverage and accessibility of library services with a convenient self-service system for pick-up and returns.  There's also a take one, leave one book collection, comfortable seating, space for in-person programming, and access to free wi-fi.

Christine Pollard, programs and events manager at the Bragg Creek Community Centre, says it has been open and accessible for several months and they're looking forward to the official launch now that it's possible.

"I know several community members have been using the lockers quite regularly, so we're excited to invite the rest of the community to see it, and how it works, and to start using it."

The grand opening is a drop-in-style event where some refreshments will be served.

"It's to show off the new library, and the new take one, leave one collection, and also an excuse to get community members back in the building again and socializing responsibly."

The use of library lending lockers is a brilliant user-friendly system. A similar system has been proposed by Cochrane Public Library for the Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre.

Anyone with a current library card through the TRAC system, used both by Marigold and the Cochrane library, can go online to order materials. You check that you want to pick it up in Bragg Creek and will receive an email when it's ready to be picked up.

"You come in and there's a little kiosk. You simply scan your card and a locker will pop open, and you collect your materials," says Pollard.

The small collection of books in the take one, leave one collection isn't part of the Marigold system. Pollard says it's like a larger version of a free little library.

For more details on the library and regular updates go here.

library book collectionThere's a collection of books using the take one, leave one system.  (Photo/Christine Pollard)