Oak Bay and the local library are looking for options in anticipation of a 12-week closure of the Monterey Avenue branch.
Abatement is underway after asbestos was found, leading the district to promptly close the Greater Victoria Public Library branch during operating hours on Jan. 26.
The branch was slated to reopen Feb. 6.
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Oak Bay announced Feb. 3 that the branch will be closed for abatement work for up to 12 weeks.
“The district is working with GVPL to explore options to deliver library services at an alternative location in Oak Bay,” district spokesperson Hayley Goodgrove said. “The district’s top priority is ensuring the safety of staff and the community. The district is awaiting results from the additional testing undertaken this week and will provide an update when the test results are received.”
The library is the only area that requires further testing. Other areas of the building, including the Oak Bay Volunteer Services Society, Hampshire Apartments and Monterey Recreation Centre are not impacted, the district stated earlier.
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As the GVPL works to minimize disruption at one of the busiest branches per capita, users won’t incur late fees for library items idling in the Oak Bay book drop. Expiry dates on library items on hold at the branch will be extended to the end of February.
While library items can be returned to any other GVPL location, plans are underway to install a temporary drop box at Monterey Recreation Centre.
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