The Nook Café in Powell River Public Library is closing after seven years.
According to a media release from Lift Community Services, the social enterprise café run by Lift has been a community hub for youth, adults and families in the qathet region.
“This has been a sad decision for our team,” stated Brodie D’Angio, Lift’s employment services manager. “The Nook has had an incredible impact in the community, thanks to a passionate team of staff and volunteers, and enthusiastic support from the library staff and board.”
D’Angio stated that increasing costs of operation and staffing challenges have contributed to the decision to close the café.
“I’m proud that we’ve been able to run as long as we have in the context of our local market,” stated D’Angio. “It really is a unique program that has been a low-barrier space for volunteers, employees and the public to access. The Nook’s philosophy has always been about creating connection to local and seasonal food, and staff really invited folks into that.”
Fresh-baked goods and catering menus were based out of what was grown and available at Lift’s Community Resource Centre garden and other local farms, then prepared at the Community Resource Centre’s kitchen. The café was known for highlighting local produce and producers, featuring items like spruce tip shortbread and freshly made jams.
The Nook opened in the newly renovated library in September 2017. Originating as a volunteer-run enterprise, which offered volunteering and training opportunities to local youth and people with disabilities, it shifted to a paid staff model during the COVID-19 pandemic, prioritizing individuals with barriers to employment. Staff continued to work with school groups to provide volunteer opportunities and skills training to youth, according to the release.
“We know this space will be missed in the community,” stated D’Angio. “The staff and volunteers here really embedded a culture of support into the café.
“We’re extremely thankful to the champions of The Nook over the years, especially former executive director Lyn Adamson, plus Laura Wilson and Jessica Colasanto, who helped get it off the ground, and Adriana Virtue, who managed the program for the past five years. None of this would have been possible without the collaborative spirit and openness of the library staff and board.”
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