After months of construction, the newest Vancouver Island Regional Library branch is finally open.
The Wellington Library, now located inside Country Club Centre, opened its doors to the public on Tuesday. It replaces the old Wellington branch, which was located on Barons Road.
David Carson, corporate communications manager for VIRL, said the new library is roughly the same size as the old Wellington Library, but feels much bigger.
“It has a fresh, contemporary design with lower stacks that provide better sightlines and a more open feel,” he said. “It’s an exciting new space. It’s taking advantage of modern library conventions.”
The new Wellington Library branch comes complete with brand-new public computers, spaces for laptops, lounges, study areas, collaborative spaces and a children’s section. There is also a community section that features books, magazines, CDs and DVDs.
“There is a nice new big reading lounge with a fireplace, so people can kick back and read a novel or take advantage of all the magazines we have,” he said. “There is also a small study room that people can reserve. That’s for students who want to study or for people who want to have meetings.”
Although the new library opened on Tuesday, VIRL will be holding an official grand opening on July 8. The event will include speeches, entertainment and tours of the branch.
The new library was completed at a cost of $680,000. Carson said a newer and brighter library space was needed to better serve the community.
“The old space served its purpose over the years, but it was really, truly getting old and it was showing its age. The new space has got new and exciting areas for people to pursue their passions,” he said. “It’s open, it’s airy, it’s light and it is bright. It’s a modern library that we are quite proud of and I think its location inside Country Club Centre opens us up to potentially new customers.”
nicholas.pescod@nanaimobulletin.com