The library was included in the $4 million addition that was completed last month. It's now officially in operation, complete with book-filled racks and the hiring of a family literacy co-ordinator and librarian.

"We worked really hard to get everything set up -- to get the books all ready and get things organized.

"So we're going to start (this week) to have our library open to the public on two evenings a week," said program support teacher Frieda Maaskant.

The library was open to students last week and will be open to the public starting tonight.

"It's a real first for Holman," said Maaskant. "We have a community library."

Parents and community leaders were invited to attend a special celebration at the library last Tuesday.

"We invited everyone to come in and read with the children," said Maaskant.

Beginning next week the literacy co-ordinator, Joanee Ogina, will begin offering literacy activity programs for kids on Tuesday's and Thursday's after school and something for parents in the evening.

The school has been building a collection of books over the past few years and fundraising to buy some new ones.

"Each week we're going to try to do something different to encourage children to participate in reading.

"This is an enjoyable and special experience," said Maaskant.

Ogina has previously worked as a classroom assistant and organized the Mom's and Tots and preschool programs in the community.

"I'm really excited about the library," said Ogina.

"It's going to benefit everybody. It will benefit the whole family to spend time together reading and just learning together."