East branch library in Saint John set to change locations
The Saint John East Branch Public Library is getting a new home after 40 years at its current location.
The library has been located in a strip mall on Westmorland Road since 1975. Library director Joann Hamilton-Barry says it was time for an upgrade.
"The library board decided we wanted to look at options for a bigger space," said Hamilton-Barry.
She says the current location no longer has enough space for the programs and services the library wants to offer.
"Right now the East Branch Library doesn't have a quiet study room," she said.
"When we do programs, we have to do big ones right out in the middle of the library," Hamilton-Barry said. "And when we're doing a big program, people can't look for books because it's too crowded."
The library board put out a request for expressions of interest last spring. A new location has yet to be officially decided, but one option being considered is in the new Saint John Transit building on McDonald Street.
Library patron Harriett Savoie says a bigger location for the library would be nice.
"I think if they had more space, they'd offer a few more programs," said Savoie, who comes to the library about once a week. "The KV [Kennebecasis Valley] library has lots of programs happening. The uptown library has lots of other things and they would probably do the same."
But patron Frank O'Brien says he would like to see the library stay where it is. He says its current location is close to places he frequents, including his bank and the grocery store.
"I'd like it to stay here, but I think it would be an improvement if they had larger quarters for everybody," said O'Brien.
The library's lease runs out at the end of May, but Hamilton-Barry is hopeful the library will remain in its Westmorland Road location until a new location is found.
