Sault Ste. Marie Public Library is continuing with plans to put a new library branch in the old Alexander Henry High School on Northern Avenue.
On Monday night, members of the library board approved two grant applications to the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund related to the project.
One application is for funding for a new library branch to replace the Churchill Plaza branch, which closed on Dec. 9, 2016.
The other is for an archives facility, also at 232 Northern Avenue East, adjacent to the new Boreal French Immersion School being established there by Algoma District School Board.
Library officials hope to have the new branch open for business by September, 2018.
The library board also approved a series of policy updates on Monday night.
Doing any of the following might get your library privileges suspended, or get you charged by the police or kicked out of the library for a time:
- using sports equipment in the library
- smoking, vaping or other methods to inhale or administer products containing nicotine or other stimulants in library locations or under the front entrance canopy
- weapons of any kind
- loitering on library property before or after library hours
- entering non-public areas of the library
- any animals except registered service animals
- unauthorized consumption of alcohol
- canvassing, soliciting or unauthorized distribution or posting of materials
- behaviour that's disruptive, intrusive, lewd, abusive, harassing or threatening to library users or staff
- obscene or abusive language
- photography, filming or videotaping without prior permission from library staff
Some other rules approved Monday night:
- consumption of light snacks and non-alcoholic beverages is allowed at all library locations, but resulting waste must be deposited in a waste basket
- individuals using cell phones are expected to act in consideration of others by speaking softly
- cell phones may not be used in designated quiet areas or washrooms
- appropriate attire is mandatory, including footwear and shirts
- library patrons may be required to make their bags, purses, carrying cases and briefcases available for inspection as they leave the library
- parents, guardians and caregivers are expected to provide supervision and care of children on library premises
- public art accepted by the library should be suitable to be viewed by people of all ages, and should demonstrate respect for both freedom of expression and human dignity
- Roxanne Toth-Rissanen, chief executive officer and director of public libraries, must provide timely advice to the board of anticipated negative articles by nasty reporter-persons, and must never raise her own compensation or benefits
Other library tidbits from Monday night's meeting:
- about 197 people went to the downtown Centennial Library when it opened from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Victoria Day
- the Centennial Library will partner with the March of Dimes to offer an employment workshop on Tuesday June 20 about personality dimensions in the workplace
- to celebrate Seniors Month, Centennial Library will hold a seniors driving program on June 21 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
- on Tuesday, June 27, the library will celebrate Multiculturalism Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Clergue Park. The event will be held in conjunction with Art Gallery of Algoma, Sault Community Career Centre and the City of Sault Ste. Marie