From shushing to shenanigans: Irvine's new community hub
Kathleen Bell | CBC News | Posted: May 10, 2024 10:37 PM | Last Updated: May 30
CBC's Out Your Way library tour across Alberta closed off with a stop in Irvine
Forget your grandma's stuffy library. Just steps from the Irvine Hotel, a vibrant new building is making its mark in Irvine, Alberta.
Sure, it's called the Irvine Community Resource Centre, but that's just a fancy way of saying it's way more than books. It hints at a new reality – it's so much more than a library.
CBC visited Irvine in March to complete its Out Your Way community events, enjoying time with residents of the hamlet at the new centre.
Just steps away from its original location and built across the street, the Community Resource Centre has soaring ceilings, comfy nooks for reading or chatting, and windows galore. New moveable shelves can now be relocated to open the space, ideal for literally anything – from story time to salsa lessons.
This isn't your typical shhh-shhh-shhh library. When CBC visited, kids were running around, families were catching up and there was laughter everywhere.
On March 23, the Resource Centre threw open its doors to a crowd of excited guests. Shelves were rolled back to create space for games and crafts, while the We Three! band and Chris Maloney filled the air with music.
The Irvine Hotel served a delicious spread of burgers and chips, and local baker, Shirley Casat's, fantastic treats meant everyone was on an amazing sugary high. Even the local fire crew got in on the act, offering fire truck rides. It was a day of fun for all ages, with just a sprinkle of friendly shenanigans.
The mastermind behind the makeover of the Irvine library? Meet Joan Côté, aka Mrs. C., head librarian and Irvine's champion for the new centre. Now firmly part of its neighbourhood, the new building officially opened in February 2024. Joan has championed the build – doubling the space, bringing full connectivity to the Resource Centre, and room to breathe.
Outside, there's a massive overhang, a wide yard dotted with seating and a playground just begging to be explored. All sit impatiently waiting for winter to end, so the fun can spill outdoors.
The Out Your Way event is just the beginning - Mrs. C has big plans. And Irvine residents are starting to call this new music studio/craft depot/community meeting space/whatever you can imagine - home. Where transformations are now taking place.