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

The newest branch of the Edmonton Public Library issandwiched between a pizza joint and a dental office in a strip mall in thenortheast of thecity.

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

The library services coordinator says they've packed a lot into this3,100-square-footspace.

Henderson points to aphotocopier, computers and large shelves filled with movies and music.

"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, saidLinda Garvin, anEPL director for branch services.

"When we don't have opportunity to provide a full service point, thenwhat are our other options that might be available to us? And a kiosk library is one such option."

Garvin saidthe total cost ofthe 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 saidthey've signed a five-year lease on thelocation 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 from1 p.m.to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and from1 p.m.to 5 p.m. on Sundays.