Powell River Public Library is once again open.
After restrictions from the onset of COVID-19, followed by a flood four months ago, the library is in full operation.
“We are very happy to finally be able to open the front doors and welcome the public back into the library,” said chief librarian Rebecca Burbank. “Seeing people in the library and hearing the gratitude from patrons has been so appreciated; it makes all the hard work feel worth it.”
Current hours are 10 to 2 pm, until July 24, when the library will be open 1 to 5 pm.
Full hours will launch on July 26. On Mondays, the library will be open from 10 am to 6 pm; on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, it will be open from 10 am to 8:30 pm; on Thursdays, opening hours will be 10 am to 6 pm; on Fridays, the library will be open from 10 am to 8:30 pm; on Saturdays, the hours are 10 am to 5 pm; and on Sundays, the public is welcome from 1 to 5 pm.
Burbank said restoration after the flood is now complete and the library is fully functional. The library’s collection is now fully accessible and people are able to access the computers.
She said given the size of the space, she doesn’t believe the library will need to place restrictions on the number of people assembling in the facility.
“We’ll keep an eye on it to see if we approach the limits set by the health authority, but the limits for our space are quite high,” said Burbank. “I don’t think even before COVID-19 we got close.”
Burbank said the library is following recommendations from the health authority and recommending that anyone not fully vaccinated wear a mask while visiting the public indoor space.
“We’re very happy to have people back in here,” said Burbank. “It’s been great to hear kids and families and people in the space.”
Burbank said the library’s summer programs are also in full swing. There are two ongoing programs at Willingdon Beach every Wednesday: bubble storytime in the morning for children and in the afternoon a poetry program has launched called poetry in the park. Reservation is required for both programs. Information is available at prpl.ca.
Burbank said for the poetry program, the library is hoping people will start to attend and enjoy some outside time at the Rotary pavilion.
She added that her staff has been exemplary in dealing with difficult times the library has faced.
“They are a picture of resilience and determination,” said Burbank. “It’s been amazing. I’m so thrilled to be open finally. They’ve been through a lot in the past year and a half.”
