It was revealed late last week that discussions are taking place that would see the Rosetown public library move, and become part of a CommuniPlex Project. While discussions are in early stages for the project, one trouble with the speculated location would be the requirement for visitors to cross the highway.

So far the public's reaction to the news of a potential library relocation appears to be negative. Rosetown librarian, Sharon Clark, believes their current location is ideal, especially considering who uses the space.

“The public reaction has been very negative. They say they like where we are. Some things that we do also, because of where we are, in the winter, we have children that are walking home from school stop in and warm up here, we have had children come in and say “so-and-so is chasing me” or “There’s a big dog outside”,so come on in, we will look after it.”

Rosetown's first library was opened in 1928 by a group of concerned citizens. Through the years the library has had a number of locations until in 1967, as part of a centennial project, a new building was erected on 5th Avenue East in Lovett Park. In that same year the Rosetown Centennial Library became part of the Wheatland Regional System, which allows its patrons access to material across the province.

Clark explains what she loves most about the library, reinforcing her belief that it should stay right where it is.

“I like it because it’s for everyone: just not children, just not seniors, it’s for everyone. We get a lot of new Canadians here, and what we have done over the last number of years, there’s a book called Discover that they need to get their hands on when they go for their permanent residency. When I knew that, we now carry that. So we cater to everybody, and I’m not sure that, in a different type of location, they would feel comfortable coming to us. There’s a real comfort level here. It’s just a good location and a good building.”

In a online poll posted to a Rosetown conversation group, and over whelming number of votes were in favour of keeping the library at its current location.

Although many seem to favour where the current location of the library is, Michele Schmidt, CAO for the Town of Rosetown, stated this project is in the preliminary stages with a timeframe that could be numerous years down the road.

"Through the Town of Rosetown Strategic Plan and Asset Management Council is planning for the future. The Town of Rosetown is in the very early stages regarding any preliminary plans regarding a CommuniPlex.   The location of this facility has not be determined, at this time, nor has any time frame been confirmed. Council will be consulting with facility users, organizations and boards prior to any final decisions being completed."