Good things are worth the wait in Carman as library staff welcomed in locals to the newly renovated Boyne Regional Library.

"It makes me so happy to see people coming in through the door and their first expression is 'wow,' that makes me feel good," says Head Librarian Sandra Yeo. The process was long, but she says the space feels wonderful to be in.

Yeo mentions that more seating areas gives space for people to take out a book and stay for a while, and the expanded children's section will allow them to have more programming throughout the week.

"We hope to advance in our story time, maybe get the puppets out, Lego, crafts, there's so much that can be done here."

The light and roomy space is wheelchair accessible with the new outdoor ramp and entrance, and also has a multi-purpose room.

"We have a community room that is also free to use to the public for non-profit groups. You just need to phone the library and book that room, and it's here for you," she says.

They are now open longer on Tuesday and Thursday, until 9:00 p.m., making it a hub for all kinds of community activities and events throughout the evening.

"It's a place to meet . . . and to exchange ideas. I just want the community to enjoy the space and use it. It's your library."

To make the renovations possible, staff and volunteers moved 828 boxes of books into a temporary location, before moving the whole collection onto their new shelves.

"We had people coming and helping us clean and wiping off book shelves. It's just been a great community effort. The volunteers in this community are unbelievable."

Yeo adds, this will be a great facility for the people of Carman and the surrounding communities for years to come.

The official open house will be on March 4 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.