New Woodlawn Library now open to the public

The Woodlawn Library officially opened in its new location in the former Cineplex at 31 Eisener Blvd. in Dartmouth, on Saturday, April 24.

"It's a very beautiful space," said Charby Slemin, branch manager of the Woodlawn Library. "We have these high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows throughout. It has a very modern and playful feel."

The new Woodlawn branch is more than four times the size of the original Woodlawn Library, going from 4,000 sq-ft to 16,656 sq ft., and features more technology, additional meeting space, a 100-seat auditorium and new materials on the shelves.

The library has also increased the number of public computers from 10 to 36.

Even though it's modern, with up-to-date technology, Slemin says its playful, whimsical feel is very inviting and personable.

People are very excited, and they should be because it's such an improvement in service we're able to offer now," she said.

They now have a sperate space for children's activities, which she says was something they really lacked in the old location.

They also didn't have a space dedicated for teens, an issue which has been addressed in the new building.

The facility will also be open an extra day of the week, Mondays until 9 pm., which increases their accessibility.

Staff has been increased from one librarian to four, including a teen, childrens and adult services librarian. At the smaller location, it was just Slemin.

The library had been closed since March 21 as they moved into the Eisener Boulevard location.

lmckay@hfxnews.ca