The Chestermere Public Library has released its new Plan of Service for 2026-2029, giving residents a look at how the small but busy library aims to handle a growing community and a building that’s only 40 percent the size of similar libraries in Alberta. The plan, called Vital, Beyond Words, is now public and outlines four key areas the library will focus on over the next four years.
Drawing on input from 101 residents through a survey earlier this year, the plan sets priorities around building a strong foundation, learning and discovery, community connection, and what it calls A Library Built for the Future. That last point speaks to a long-standing challenge: the library’s current home at 105B Marina Road inside City Hall is about 5,536 square feet, while a 2024 business plan found that’s well below the provincial average for a city Chestermere’s size.
With Chestermere’s population now estimated at roughly 31,700 and expected to grow significantly in the coming decades, the plan lays out measurable goals to expand programming, strengthen partnerships, and push for a larger facility down the road. The library collection holds about 45,000 items, which is considered a good fit for the current population, but packing that many books and resources into a small space has cut into seating and room for people to gather.
The planning process was led by the Chestermere Public Library Board, with a research and engagement report from Barbara Pedersen Facilitation Services Inc. Under Alberta law, every library must submit a Plan of Service to the province to qualify for funding. The board approved this plan in April after reviewing community feedback and city planning documents.
The library operates with about 8.4 full-time equivalent staff members, a number also below the provincial norm. The new plan includes steps to review onboarding, training, and workplace supports. Meanwhile, the library board is looking to fill five vacant seats, with appointments made by Chestermere City Council. Residents who want to read the full Plan of Service can find it on the library’s website.
