Just as the outdoor repairs to the Gibsons & District Public Library (GDPL) building come to an end, renovations will begin inside the library. From Aug. 12 to 26, the Library will be closed to complete a space reconfiguration project: re-organizing and renovating the existing library layout to create a more user-friendly, comfortable environment.
The planning of the project began in 2014 when the library board commissioned a facilities study. Manjit Kang, GDPL board chair, notes that the “library continues to evolve, offering both traditional services and many new programs, learning opportunities and digital resources. The study explored ways to optimize the efficiency of the existing building and helped us set priorities for the library.”
The project is divided into three phases. The first phase consisted of operational changes that are now complete. The second phase includes repurposing the library foyer into a teen area and opening up more flexible work space to better accommodate presentations, workshops and group use. These changes will take place during the library closure in August.
The third phase focuses on updating the children’s area and replacing furniture in the library, which is planned for winter 2016-17. Library director Tracey Therrien explains that “the focus of each phase is to optimize and adapt the existing layout to the changing needs of our community while maintaining the welcoming atmosphere of the library so valued by our members.”
In addition to a library capital fund reserve and a one-time capital grant from the Sunshine Coast Regional District, funding for phase two has been raised by the Library Foundation and community grants from the Sunshine Coast Community Foundation and the Sunshine Coast Credit Union. To help complete phase three, the library is participating in a community crowd-sourcing project called Wayblaze. This fundraising effort will begin in August; more information will be available soon.
During the closure, members will have access to the library’s digital collection of ebooks, magazines, newspapers, films and documentaries through the library’s website. Those who borrowed physical items prior to the closure will be asked to return them only after the renovations are complete; overdue fees will be waived during this period.
“We look forward to welcoming residents into their revitalized Library on Aug. 27,” Therrien said.
More information on the project and closures will be available on the Library website: gibsons.bc.libraries.coop
