Update: Closure of the Oak Bay Branch, Greater Victoria Public Library Temporary Pop-Up Branch Set to Open on March 7

Oak Bay, BC – Following the identification of asbestos at the Oak Bay Branch of the Greater Victoria Public Library (GVPL), rigorous testing conducted by the District of Oak Bay has determined that no exposure had occurred in public or staff areas. The Oak Bay Branch remains closed for up to twelve weeks while the abatement process is underway to eliminate any possible future disturbances or exposure to asbestos.  

The District of Oak Bay is pleased to announce that space inside the Monterey Recreation Centre has been secured to allow GVPL to operate a temporary pop-up library starting next week. The District recognizes the importance of providing library service for the community during this temporary closure. The pop-up library will open at 10:00 am in the Cedar Room on Tuesday, March 7 and will remain open until services resume at the regular location.

Once opened, the temporary pop-up branch’s hours will be Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm; Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. Sunday hours will be offered at this temporary location from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm starting March 12 until April 23. A suite of library services will be delivered at the temporary pop-up location, including:

• Holds pick up.  
• Small browsing collection featuring new and popular materials for all ages, including adult and non-fiction titles, children’s books, Fast Collection items, large print, DVDs and Blu-ray, newspapers and more.
• Drop-in indoor Family Storytime (on Wednesdays, starting March 15 at 10:30am).
• WiFi access.
• Continued use of return drop box (located outside the Monterey Recreation Centre)

For more information on library services, please visit gvpl.ca or call GVPL’s customer service line at 250-940-4875. Customer service staff are available Monday to Saturday between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm. 

-30-

Contact
Kelly Ridgway
Coordinator, Marketing and Development
Greater Victoria Public Library
Office: 250-940-4875 ext. 346
Mobile: 250-883-2314
kridgway@gvpl.ca

Hayley Goodgrove
Communications Specialist
District of Oak Bay
Mobile: 778-677-9589
hgoodgrove@oakbay.ca