The Okotoks Public Library is introducing a Welcoming Centre.
The new centre stems from Welcoming Okotoks, an initiative that started in 2023. The organization aims to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for both newcomers and locals to Okotoks. Before its work in the library, the organization put on events such as the International Day for the Elimination of Racism gathering last March.
The Welcoming Centre comprises a desk at the library that will be staffed from 1 to 5 p.m. weekdays starting Jan. 16.
Sarah Lantry, assistant director of the Okotoks Public Library, hopes the new desk will act as an accessible venue for anybody with questions about the town, whether they have lived in Okotoks for a while or are new to the area.
The Welcoming Centre is kicking off Jan. 16 with a discussion event, led by Derrick Campbell of the Alberta Hate Crime Coordination Unit, to answer questions about hate crimes. The event runs from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and is free to attend.
