Yellowknife (Oct 15/04) - Librarian Marydale Taylor signs out a book at the new check-out desk. Bright paintings hang on the walls in the high-ceilinged atrium of the Yellowknife library.

The paintings, and the paint on the walls, are new -- part of $200,000 worth of renovations just completed at the library.

The grand re-opening of the library was held Oct. 12.

"We opened up the library a lot," said Deborah Bruser, library manager.

"It's night and day from the way it used to look."

The front part of the library was repainted and recarpeted, some of the old pillars were removed, the ceiling was raised and a new circulation desk was put in.

"We added a security system which is amazing," said Bruser.

"It will make a big difference in our lives here. We will lose far less of the collection."

More to come

Money for the renovations came from the library's capital budget.

Bruser said they are planning for a second phase of renovations in 2006.

At that time the rest of the library will be recarpeted and repainted.

Bruser said changes to the lighting make a big difference.

"It's very soft and easy on the eyes," she said.

"It's much more inviting, more efficient and I think the staff are better able to do their jobs."

The new area also forms a gallery, where paintings from the city's heritage art collection are hung.

"We're pleased," said James Lawrance, chair of the heritage committee.

"Our works are more visible and accessible to city residents and visitors."