Doors to the new Clearwater Library will officially open to patrons on Monday, April 8.
The new library branch, located above the Clearwater arena on Wellington Street, replaces the former Mallroad Library which closed last year.
The Clearwater Library space was previously underutilized and is now expected to act as a community hub to meet the future needs, as growth is projected in the city's east end.
The project was held in partnership between the City of Sarnia and County of Lambton.
As previously reported, shipping delays on certain materials pushed back the projected opening date.
However, since the county's part in the project focused on furnishings and materials, General Manager of Cultural Services Andrew Meyer said they didn't experience similar types of setbacks.
"Not many challenges on our end," he said. "We're looking forward to engaging new and diverse audiences in this location."
Meyer also said the new 4,000-square-foot library will allow for different types of learning and engagement initiatives.
"The new library includes a new program room, private meeting space, there is a collection of over 11,000 items that were transferred over from the Mallroad Library location. We will also have an early literacy station for children, public computers, and a new self-service kiosk feature," Meyer said. "A lot of new features are being integrated into this branch and we're excited to see it become a vibrant hub for knowledge, creativity, and connection within our community."
The site is also expected to be the site of a "soon-to-open" Sarnia Transit terminal.
Operating hours for Clearwater Library will be Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
An official ribbon cutting ceremony with local dignitaries will be held on April 9.
Meyer said a community open house will also take place later this year to go over special programming, it will also coincide with the launch of Lambton County Library's annual summer reading program.
