The New Westminster Public Library will be closing temporarily so renovations can be completed at the main branch.
The library, located at 716 Sixth Ave., will be closed as of Feb. 24 at 5 p.m. for renovations. This final phase of renovations is expected to take five weeks, and the library will reopen on April 1.
“We’re happy to share that the renovations are nearly complete and will be finished ahead of schedule,” chief librarian Julie Spurrell said in a press release. “Due to the library closure, customers who check out any items after Feb. 4 can enjoy those items for 10 weeks.”
According to a press release from the city, the full closure of the library will allow for construction of the entranceway, the removal of hoarding walls, the installation of new shelving, furniture, and equipment. This closure will allow the library renovations to be completed nearly two months ahead of schedule.
The $5.5-million renovation to the library, which was built in 1958, is intended to ensure the building meets the changing needs of the community and remains a welcoming space for readers, learners, creators and neighbours. The completed renovation will include a number of components, including a new technology lab, a new teen area, a new main-floor service desk, a new second floor meeting room, updated accessible washrooms, new electrical infrastructure, improved air circulation and distribution, new ceilings and refreshed interior finishes, new windows and new LED lighting.
“This renovation has been a huge undertaking, and we’re excited to see the new features that will better serve the community,” said Mayor Jonathan Cote. “The library is more than a place to check out books; it’s a place to exchange ideas and for the community to gather, where neighbours can meet face to face.”
During the closure of the main branch, the Queensborough branch library will remain open and offer books, DVDs, music, children’s materials, internet stations and Chromebooks. The library’s e-collections and other digital resources will remain available 24/7.
The renovations started in December 2017 and were expected to be finished this summer. Prior to the renovation, the library was the second most-used public facility in New Westminster, with only the Canada Games Pool having more annual visitors.
The library’s main branch previously closed for a week in August 2018, in preparation for the third and final phase of the renovation. At that time, it moved 23,000 square feet of services into 8,000 square feet of space on the third floor, so renovations could take place on the main floor.
