New digs for cherished Bracebridge library

A library is seen in this undated photo.

The Coulson Family Bracebridge Library is now tucked neatly inside the Muskoka Lumber Community Centre.

With 23,000 sq. ft. to play with – almost triple the size of the Carnegie Library building – the facility is located inside the Muskoka Lumber Community Centre at 34 Salmon Ave., behind Stevens' Your Independent Grocer.

An opening day celebration will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 8, with activities for kids and tours of the new space throughout the day.

"It's no small feat that we're only days away from opening, and it's a credit to the hard work of the library's staff," said Crystal Bergstrom, CEO and chief librarian. "The journey to get to this point has certainly been stressful, but it will all be worth it when we see patrons' excited reactions when they step through our doors."

The expanded space allows for new opportunities for the library to provide more programming to complement its existing activities.

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Children's programming will include a scavenger hunt taking participants through the expanded youth area, drop-in stories during the day and crafts after school, along with decorative leaves for children to write their names on to be displayed.

The new features include a recording studio, a makerspace with a 3D printer and laser printer, among other tools, a local history room, and multiple spaces available ready to be booked by the public.

Ahead of opening day, two book drops were opened at the new library, allowing patrons to return the material they had borrowed over the summer.