Downtown library wants Edmontonians to make their marks

Words like 'noisy' and 'messy' generally don't describelibraries but those arethe exact words being used to describe a send-off party planned for the Stanley A. Milner Library.

"Noisy and messy and different," saidRichardThornley, the library's manager."People can come make a big mess."

Edmontonians are invited to make their marks on the 50-year-old building during a graffiti open-house from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday.

• Major renovations to close Edmonton's downtown library for up to three years
• Stanley Milner library closing for renovations at end of December

Thornleysaid this weekend isthe perfect opportunity to take advantage of a near-empty public space.The library will shut down on Dec. 31 for a three-year renovation project.

"We wanted to make noise and send off that building," he said.

Staff will hand out crayons, markers and paint so library lovers can leave messages on the walls. The event will also featurelive music.

Books and resources from the libraryare being relocated to Enterprise Square.

Thetemporary location will open on Jan. 3, and will stay open until the Stanley A. Milnerrevitalization project is completed in 2020.