Written by 
Time Flies When You’re Having Fun!
Can you believe it?! Our Collicutt Branch has already been open for a year! As we look back on the past twelve months, it’s clear that our mini branch has quickly become a vibrant hub of activity and connection in the community.
Since opening our doors on August 30, 2023, the Collicutt Branch has been bustling with excitement and engagement. Here’s a snapshot of the amazing impact we’ve made in just one year*:
- 71,000 Visits and Counting: We’ve welcomed over 71,000 visitors through our doors. Each visit is a testament to the community’s enthusiasm and to the branch’s role as a convenient connection to basic library services.
- 22,500 Items Checked Out: Our customers have borrowed over 22,500 items, including books, DVDs, and holds sent from other library branches. It’s been incredible to see our collection being enjoyed by so many!
- 800+ Program Attendees: From our Grand Opening Celebration to Drop-in Storytimes, Walk & Talk programs, and special events, over 800 people have participated in our diverse range of library programs. The energy and joy at these events have been truly inspiring.
*Data from the first ten months of service, August 30, 2023 to June 30, 2024.
Community Feedback
The data speaks volumes, but it’s the personal stories and feedback from our community that really highlight our branch’s impact. We recently conducted a survey to collect your feedback, and we’re excited to share some of the insights we’ve gathered. Here are a few highlights from the survey results:
“I definitely use my library card so much more because of this new location!”
“This is a great expansion of library services and good use of Red Deer tax payer funds.”
“An incredible addition to the South end of the city! Love it!”
“PLEASE keep this location! My kids are reading more!”
“It is so amazing with young kids. We go there frequently all throughout the year and it makes it so easy to pick up and return books.”
“We love this location and hope it will continue to be there!”
“I couldn’t imagine anything else in that space. It’s so convenient. Thank you for putting this front and centre for the health of the community! My wallet and schedule thank you 🙏“
“Convenient location as there is nothing else on the south and I LOVE being able to kill time waiting for other programs to start.”
“I am a senior and this is handy walking distance to pick up and return books.”
“This location is super convenient for me, as it is close to where I live and work. I also love that it is walking distance from the school I teach at so I can bring my students to check out books.”
“We are often at the Collicut and enjoyed the addition of great book titles to pick up when we dropped by!”
“Convenient location and excellent hours.”
“I like the location for its proximity to my home, as well as really great parking, ease of access for book drop. The hours are very good. The staff are very friendly and helpful.”
“Very convenient location, in a place my family already frequents so often. We love the library, so getting to have one in the Collicutt is just two great things coming together.”
“We love love love having a branch on this end of the city!! An expansion would be amazing. But keep it in the Collicutt!!”
“It is a nice addition to have especially when you have a child in an independent activity and you need to keep another child busy”
“We live in the SE side of Red Deer and it is so nice finally having a library branch that is closer. It’s also so nice having a branch in the same building where my kids have many activities such as dance and preschool. We often stop in before or after other activities at the Collicutt.”
“It’s an amazing service which was much needed in the south part of the city. I love the hours too!”
“It is so convenient for me. I’m at the facility several times a week and having the library branch is so convenient. I also love that there are always people (particularly children and families hanging out!)”
“I like the small and cozy location close to home with a simple book drop.”
“I absolutely love having this location at the Collicutt. It is so convenient and I use it often.”
“I am hoping this location is able to stay open for those of us who have made great use of it and for future users!”
We asked: Do you think RDPL should continue to have a library branch in the Collicutt Centre?
Future Plans for the Collicutt Branch
As we celebrate this milestone, we’re excited to announce that the Collicutt Branch is here to stay! We will continue to operate with our self-serve model, making library access convenient and flexible for everyone. Looking ahead, we’re thrilled to introduce new programs, bring in fresh items for browsing, and explore potential new service options at this location in the future.
Thank you for making our first year a success. Your support and enthusiasm have been invaluable! We’d also like to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to all of the amazing Collicutt Centre staff for their warm welcome and continued assistance. We couldn’t do this without you!
Here’s to many more years of learning, discovery, and community at the Collicutt Branch!
