Over the holiday season the Bentley Municipal Library received a bit of a facelift. Thanks to many people including staff and volunteers, the interior now sports fresh coats of two tones of a warm inviting mushroom-tan color and a new arrangement of furniture and displays.
Patrons will notice a difference as soon as they enter. The administration area and furnishings have been completely re-arranged. A dedicated Reference Room complete with photocopier, desks, bulletin board and reference material is now is located in the old office area.
The Young Adult room remains available for use, while the Program Room has been refreshed and rearranged and looks more spacious. It can now offer more room for the Homework Club that meets each Thursday, and for other special programs being offered like movie time. A movie for seniors will be shown once a month on Fridays at 2 p.m., and a family movie once a month on Saturdays at 1:30 p.m. Admission is free for both movie times.
Bulletin boards are available in different areas, numerous computer stations remain for public use, and the family friendly restroom now has an infant change table.
An open house had been held Jan. 8 despite bad weather.
Along with the fresh look are extended hours. The Bentley library is now open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., on Thursdays from 11- 7:30, Fridays 1-6:30 and Saturdays from 11-4. It remains closed on Sundays, Mondays and statutory holidays.
Before any more renovations proceed, electrical and plumbing issues will be addressed.
For more information about the Bentley Municipal Library or any of its services or many programs call (403) 748-4626 during regular hours or check out their website at http://bentleylibrary.prl.ab.ca. The facility is open to the entire community and surrounding area.
Bentley to study Oxford school
Deputy Mayor Ms. Robin Lemay chaired the Bentley town council meeting of Tuesday, Jan. 13 in the mayor’s absence.
* Cost estimates from Parkland Community Planning Services and Stantec Consulting for $11,000 each was accepted for budgeting purposes. Now development of a more detailed Area Structure Plan for the southwest corner of the town now zoned industrial can proceed.
* A motion was passed to approve the 2009 budget of the Lacombe Regional Solid Waste Authority. The budget includes a small increase to the rate charged to Bentley increasing from $43.87 to $49.77 per capita.
* Correspondence was received from the local MLA Ty Lund indicating approval of a Community Facility Enhancement Program grant of $5,450 to assist with an Oxford School (Elk’s Hall) Structural Assessment. The building was designated a municipal historic site a number of years ago and is now showing signs of aging.
* Correspondence was received from the local M.P. Blaine Calkins announcing an Alberta Building Communities Fund Component to the federal Building Canada Plan for infrastructure projects. Funding for accepted projects would be split equally between the federal, provincial and local municipal governments.
The intent is to apply for financial assistance for a new water well to help address the problem of getting accurate measurements of the town’s aquifer including the ground water level and conditions and/or the need for water expansion.
The Municipality of Bentley had again exceeded their water diversion limit. The issue of compliance will again be addressed and a plan prepared for Alberta Environment.
* A motion was made authorizing the mayor to attend Mayors Caucus meetings throughout the year.
* It was acknowledged there was some mix up in the garbage pickup schedule due to the holidays.
* At the previous council meeting a motion was made to accept the Alternative A Equalized Assessment, the cheapest for Bentley ($3,470), from the three Lacombe Foundation requisition options. This is the first time the Lacombe Foundation has requisitioned for operating expenses.
* Coffee With Council takes place Tuesday, Jan. 20 at 7 p.m. in the Drop-In Centre.
The next regular council meeting will be on Tuesday, Jan. 27 at 6:45 p.m. in council chambers. All regular meetings are open to the public.