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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - October is Canada's National Library Month but the Yellowknife public library is completely closed for renovations until Oct. 15, and will offer partial service three days a week until December.

"It's not something that we planned, that's for sure," said public service librarian Melissa Legacy, "The timing is ironic but it just happened that way."

Clarinda Spijkerman reads a children's book to her three-year-old daughter Sophie Mahon at the Yellowknife public library, Oct. 3. - Ben Morgan / NNSL photo

The library manager said there wasn't really any good time to close the library. Deborah Bruiser said the timing was more about when they could secure a contractor to do the job.

Clarinda Spijkerman who was reading children's books with her three-year-old daughter on Friday said, "That's kind of a funny coincidence."

Spijkerman said a good selection and quiet atmosphere draws her to the library to read with her daughter. "We're big readers in our house but I guess we'll have to stay home and read there more often now," she said.

Celeste Bent and Brianne Morfitt - both 15 year-old students at St. Patrick high school - were also reading at the library on Friday, in spite of the fact their school has library facilities available to students. They visited the Yellowknife public library during a free period from classes.

"It's quiet here and they have a better selection," said Bent.

Morfitt agreed it was an odd coincidence the closure would happen during Canada's National Library Month.

Legacy said the renovations would maximize the existing space at the library. "I guess we'll be celebrating by renovating our library and making it a better place for our readers," she said of the timing.

Plans include a fresh coat of paint, carpeting, new furniture and some minor construction to remove a series of non-load-bearing pillars, creating more room for shelving and reading space. More computer terminals will also be available for users when the library re-opens its entire facility sometime in December.

Starting Oct. 15 the library will be open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. A small area will reopen with a limited selection of materials to choose from - including audio books, DVDs and books currently on loan. The library will continue to take in new materials during the closure - which will be included in the limited selection.