Issue link: https://lpl.uberflip.com/i/1276778
2 Crossings Branch Crossings Grand Re-Opening On April 8 we officially re-opened the Crossings Branch. Over the past year the Crossings Branch has been in the midst of an expansion and enhancement renovation. The project expanded into 2500 feet of unused space adjacent to our current facility. Through the expansion and enhancement, we were able to maximize our current spaces by providing dedicated and improved areas specific to customer needs including the Indigenous community and youth. A generous donation from the Friends of the Library allowed us to replace many of the furnishings in the branch and add a custom build play structure named the "Friendship Bridge". The structure gives our youngest library visitors a place to play, curl up with a book and caregivers and, makes the library a destination location within the city and a place for both children and caregivers to meet and connect. As part of the Grand Re-Opening, we put in a time capsule created by the Teen Advisory Group (TAG). The Teen Advisory Group is a group that meets with our teen services librarian monthly to plan and envision library programs and services for youth in grades 7 through 12. When we were consulting with the TAG group for the new teen space, they thought up the idea of creating a time capsule to take advantage of the space under the floor and mark the renovations of the Crossings Branch. This was also a way to remember the past few years of student and teen life, which were remarkably different due to the pandemic. Tokens of note included: o COVID memories (rapid test kid, face mask) o Program bits/pieces (Pride flag, Uno deck) o Renovations (carpet sample, photos) o Crossings fun (dinosaur with toque, library card) o Box of memories / future wishes from people of all ages The time capsule is to be opened 16 years from now in 2040, 30 years after the initial opening of the Crossings Branch. The formal ceremonies included a ribbon cutting with dignitaries, members of the teen advisory group and local children who entered a colouring contest in order to help cut the ribbon. After the formal ceremony we had a day of fun, planned by the Branch services and Indigenous services staff, including a scavenger hunt to honour the Friend's donation, Indigenous rock painting, the Happiness Program interactive projector, button making, video game tournament and of course cake! Sarah Head Library Services 2