The Drayton location is now open, but the official grand openings of the new Arthur and Drayton libraries are slated for Jan. 9.
At the Dec. 15 update to council, Wellington North Mayor Mike Broomhead said the shelves are up and the fireplace is operational in Arthur.
When he arrived at the Arthur branch, the new furniture had yet to be unwrapped, and he was uncertain if basement rooms would be open in time for the grand opening.
As for when the Arthur branch would re-open, Broomhead said, “We’re hoping it will be open by the grand opening on Jan. 9.”
Broomhead said the flooring is complete and some of the desks are in. He said there were a number of setbacks due to the environmental cleanup of the lot (due to a former feed mill).
Broomhead noted it was nice to have it open so close to the official opening at the Drayton branch. At the Arthur library, he explained that the drywall and painting is done.
“It’s just a lot of the finishing touches that are needed. Both buildings look fabulous,” he said.
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Broomhead later quipped that the Mount Forest daycare centre needs “a little bit more work before it is done.”
Councillor Dan Yake said the kids that were there for the sod turning may be graduating college before it is done.
Broomhead said the work is going great now – workers are installing interior block work.
“It’s been a lot of fun being on those building committees,” he said. “It’s quite interesting how they go together.”
The work required the agreement of the school board, health unit, and county, he added.
