Flooding has forced the Terry Fox Library branch of the Fraser Valley Regional Library to be creative and flexible so a makeshift facility has been set up in a makeshift area.
Last Thursday evening water began seeping into the library, covering the carpet.
But before declaring it’s safe to return, testing has to be conducted and that could take a while, said library manager Kimberley Constable.
When the shutdown lasted through the weekend, library and Port Coquitlam city staff put their heads together and decided to set up a temporary facility in the lobby of the Port Coquitlam Recreation Complex. The lobby has already been home recently to makeshift facilities as the complex undergoes major renovations.
“We’re really disappointed to be closed for so long and to know our customers are too,” said Constable. “We wanted to be able to provide services as best we can.
“[The library services] will be limited but we’re hoping people will come and hang out. We miss them and I know they’ve told us on social media they miss us.”
The library staff aren’t moving everything over, but any books on hold and ready for pick-up starting Nov. 6 will be available for pick-ups to those who reserved them at the pop-up. Returns can also be made. There will also be a small collection to check out.
The pop-up will be open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Some of the regular activities will be carried out at the rec complex with storytime at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Thursday and Saturday and Friday at 2 p.m. Babytime will be held Friday at 10:15 a.m. A puzzle table and Keva plank building blocks from Fraser Valley Regional Library's playground will also be set up there.
It will be closed for Remembrance Day on Sunday and Monday. When staff returns on Tuesday it will be determined if the branch will be ready to reopen next Wednesday.
Access to the pop-up library can be gained via the temporary complex entrance in the parking lot off Kelly Avenue.
