Ste. Anne Library received $25,000 toward their library greenspace, and $24,000 toward their library makerspace from the provincial government. 

Veronique Ewen with the Ste. Anne Library says they received the full amount they applied for. 

“I started in March and I was like, ‘I really want to start some big programming and I'd like to do all these things.’ And we were lucky, they gave us everything we ask for.” 

She says when you are in a smaller rural library, funding can be limited. 

“So we have to be creative and we have to apply for grants. So it was a huge priority for me to apply for grants that we could bring more to Ste. Anne and offer more to the community.” 

 

Greenspace 

She is extremely grateful for the grants, and says the greenspace will be an amazing addition to the library. 

“The funding will significantly contribute to our ability to create an enriching and welcoming outdoor space for our patrons and the community. So, very exciting.” 

She says the library is putting in some of their own money in addition to the $25,000 from the government,  

“The money was allocated towards like various aspects of the green space, design consultation, site preparation, purchasing plant materials, creating hardscape elements, so benches, pathways, a deck. We're also going to install an irrigation system, setting up seating areas, picnic tables. We're hoping to have a child play area.” 

She says they are hoping to kind of have it be a multi-functional space that will encourage outdoor reading and hold community events. 

Ewen says making use of their outdoor space is a great way to expand the library. 

“We have a smaller building, so being able to actually use the space behind the library is a huge benefit of the space because currently it's not usable.” 

They are scheduled to commence the greenspace project in May of 2024, and they hope to have it completed by the end of the summer of 2024. 

 

Makerspace 

Ewen says a makerspace is a collaborative workspace in a public facility. 

“It's for making things, learning, exploring, and working with other people in the community. And you can use high-tech, you can use no tech tools, it's just a place that people can get together to learn more hands-on.” 

The addition of the makerspace to the library will be primarily funded by the provincial grant. Ewen notes their annual technology grant of $1500 will also go toward the project. 

“The funds are going to be allocated toward purchasing computers and software like Photoshop or digital programming, things like that. We are also going to get a 3D printer, we're hoping to set up an electronics lab, we're hoping to get VR, hoping to get crafting machines, so a sewing machine, a cricket machine, some materials, and we're also hoping to get traditional woodworking tools like drills, hammers, just things that people can use to build and create.” 

She adds they will also of course buy safety equipment and furniture. 

They are hoping to have the makerspace set up and ready to go by November of this year.