Bowen Island's library has outgrown its available space. The desire for the library to be part of a community centre had repeatedly been expressed but head librarian Tina Nielsen explained at the Monday, June 10, council meeting that this is a long-term goal and a solution needs to be found for the near future.
"You know from our space need assessment that we need a bigger facility," Nielsen addressed members of council. "And I'm asking you to authorize municipal staff to work with the library to look at what is commonly referred to as the library land."
Nielsen explained that the library's immediate need is for multi-function space that can accommodate quiet study and increased programming that the library is and would like to be offering. Examples are homework help, reading buddies, story time, children's reading clubs, author visits, book clubs and tech tutoring.
The library currently has no meeting room, program space or dedicated quiet study space. "We try to hold programming in alternative location," Nielsen said. "At the library, we can accommodate 10 adults. For children's programming, everyone has to sit on the floor."
She explained that the library's strategic goal is to move away from being a ware house for books and provide more programming. "We like the idea of a learning commons but we don't have the space to do that," Nielsen said. "[Space limitations] prevent us from moving toward our strategic goal."
The library board has looked at various options on how to find a temporary solution and decided to explore an expansion to the north by way of building an annex, Nielsen said, adding that the unit could be similar to the Cup Cutter at the Bowen Island Golf Club.
Councillor Alison Morse said that the library's strategic plan had at one point envisioned using the space of the blue cottage, currently housing the Bowen Island Visitor Information, to expand programming.
"We haven't given up on that idea and wanted to place the annex toward the blue cottage," Nielsen said, adding that the library board expects to utilize a mix of fundraising revenue, grants and library reserve funds for the expansion.
The library board has also looked into the option of expanding into the upstairs of the building that is currently occupied by Metro Vancouver offices. "The stairs and doors are not disabled accessible and we don't have enough staff to effectively run a two-storey building. Currently, our staff is in eye's view so we can get up and help the volunteers," Nielsen said. She explained that the upstairs is divided into small rooms and, even through the library would welcome the additional space, it would not be suitable for programming.
Nielsen said that library staff would welcome working with the Bowen Island Municipality's planning department to explore parking and turn-around options that will meet the needs of library users and enhance Snug Cove traffic and parking.
