The Rumsey Library will soon have more space to grow after Staland County gifted it with a new facility.
The Library in the community has operated for years through the fire hall and the post office building. Starland County had a building it had used as office space prior to building its new facility in Morrin. The building was moved to Rumsey, allowing the Library to have a new, larger space; at the same time, the Fire Department will be able to use the former Library space for its operations.
Starland County Reeve Steve Wannstrom says it is a win-win situation.
The process has been progressing for some time. This summer some of the utilities have been installed, including network infrastructure.
“They moved (the building) up here last winter, and they are slowly getting things hooked up and progress made,” said librarian Patty Steen. “It will be really nice, it will be a really great addition to Rumsey. It will help the firemen as well, because my old space will become an office and meeting room."
The new building will expand the library by about 150 to 200 square feet, giving them room to grow and operate programs.
“It will be a different layout, so we will be able to add different areas of interest. We can have a children’s craft area, a computer centre, and an adult reading area. I will try my best not to make it cramped but we will be able to add a few things," said Steen. “We are fortunate now that we have kids in town that like to stop by and experience the library, play and have crafts, so instead of working, on the floor, we can have a dedicated table for them, and give them their own space."
She says progress has picked up.
“I am very grateful to our councillor Jackie Watts for all she has done pushing it, and our new CAO seems very determined to get things done.”

Drumheller Fire Department were dispatched to a vegetation fire in Midland Provincial Park along North Dinosaur Trail at around 4 p.m. on Sunday, September 10. Crews on multiple units quickly worked to extinguish the flames in the hillside near Midland Mine. Firefighters were again toned out to the location on Monday morning, September 11, at around 8:30 a.m. to respond to a call about smoke and flames in the vicinity after the fire rekindled. Crews remained on scene to manage hot spots. Due to its location in a provincial park, a wildland fire hack crew was called in to assist, working to control additional hot spots and check for any potential points of ignition beneath ground level.