Resigning library director Craig Shufelt understands the need for a branch library in Fort McMurray; with the growth of the community expanding further north of the Athabasca River, he is aware that returning materials to the library on MacDonald Island is not always a convenient option. A community partnership with Safeway and Extra Foods has allowed the placement of new Book Return bins on store property.
“It’s a win-win situation for all parties involved. Patrons will enjoy the ease of returning materials without encountering the congestion caused by traffic back up and road construction. Providing the opportunity to return materials may be a stop gap measure until the library is able to offer a branch library, but a measure that I believe will be welcomed by patrons nonetheless. Our community partners Extra Foods and Safeway are also very excited to offer this opportunity to their customers” says Shufelt.
The new book drops are at Safeway on Signal Road and Extra Foods on Powder Drive. Since the book drops are located outside the buildings patrons may return materials 24/7 and library staff will retrieve the material daily. E-readers and Fun Boxes cannot be returned using the new Book Drops. It may take up to 24 hours for the material to be removed from patron accounts and patrons will remain responsible until materials are checked in by library staff. Material returned after its due date will be subject to Extended Use Fees but the library will allow a short grace period for material returned using the new book drops. Library patrons may start using the new Book Drops after 5:00pm Wednesday, August 17.
