TNRD – Main Kamloops library to close six weeks for ‘people place’ renovations
(Image: Mel Rothenburger)
The main Kamloops library will be closed from March 1 to April 9.
The TNRD board approved the closure at its meeting Thursday (Jan. 18, 2018) to allow for a major renovation of the library at 5th Avenue and Victoria Street, including added space and re-alignment of existing space.
Referred to as a “modernization,” some of the work was done between Christmas and New Year’s but the major part of it will be done over the six-week period. It’s the first major upgrade to the library since it opened in 1998.
The changes include more space for community groups, centralization of customer service, more seating and the addition of an 880-square-foot coffee shop opening onto the plaza. Self-checkout will also be added.
Chief librarian Judy Moore said communications and continuity plans are being developed to deal with the effects of the closure and to make sure the public is aware of it. The main source of borrowing for city residents will shift to the North Kamloops library while renovations to the main library are done. A number of staff will be temporarily re-assigned there.
She said some library staff will remain in the Civic Building to provide project support and processing of patron requests.
The $350,000 renovation was approved by the board a year ago and follows months of planning and consultation. Moore says the changes will make the library more of a “people place.”
— Mel Rothenburger, Director, Electoral Area P, TNRD
Every time I go by the place it seems to be a magnet for “PEOPLE” requiring a security fellow.