Nearly the entire collection at the Altona branch for the South Central Regional Library has been packed into boxes in preparation for the big move to its new home at the Altona Mall.
    
Branch manager, Rachael Friesen, says this week has been all about finishing the packing and getting the shelves ready to move during a push planned for Thursday and Friday. Some 600 boxes, as well as shelving, will be relocated those two evenings. 

"We already have received our new shelves, they came last week, so those were put in and assembled," she explained. "We've already started moving over some of the smaller things, and now we're just anticipating having everything ready to go for the rest of the move on Thursday and Friday."

The plan, noted Friesen, is to move all of the shelving over on Thursday evening following with the boxes and other smaller items on Friday. She noted, a crew from Sun Valley Co-op will be on site Thursday evening to help out and are bringing with them a trailer and forklift. The public will also have the opportunity to lend a hand on those two days between the hours of 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. 

"If people are available and would like to come and help, we would gladly take some muscle because it's going to be heavy lifting," said Friesen. 

Those interested in volunteering can sign up by calling 204-324-1503 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. this week. 

Meantime, Friesen is offering up a big 'thank you' to those who helped make this dream of a new location a reality. 

"Not just all of the volunteers, all of the people that have helped and all of the people that have donated, but also to the Town (of Altona) because this wouldn't have been possible without them. They were a driving force in making sure this would happen for us," she said. "And the people. I have not been able to express properly how grateful we are to the people and the businesses that have helped," added Friesen. "It's been amazing...it really shows you are fortunate we are to live in a community where people are more than willing to lend a helping hand."

During this time, the Altona branch will remain closed. Those looking to make returns can still do so at the drop box located at the location in Golden West Plaza until the end of this week when it will also be moved to the new space.