Oak Bay library to remain closed up to 12 more weeks for asbestos abatement
The Oak Bay Branch of the Greater Victoria Public Library will remain closed for significantly longer than initially planned.
A week after closing the library for asbestos testing, the District of Oak Bay announced Friday that it has decided to "proactively" continue the closure for "up to 12 weeks" while it works on "abatement of asbestos-containing materials" in the facility.
The district first announced the library closure on Jan. 27, after discovering "dust contaminated with asbestos" in an area of the facility.
The library was originally scheduled to reopen on Monday.
"The district’s top priority is ensuring the safety of staff and the community," reads a statement posted on the Oak Bay website Friday.
"The district is awaiting results from the additional testing undertaken this week and will provide an update when the test results are received."
Library materials on hold at the Oak Bay Branch will not expire on Feb. 6, and patrons will not incur late fees, the district said.
While the Vancouver Island Regional Library abolished late fees on Jan. 1 of this year, GVPL's website indicates that late returns to its system still incur fines.
"The district is working with GVPL to explore options to deliver library services at an alternative location in Oak Bay," the statement reads.
"Once an alternative location is confirmed, details will be announced. GVPL is committed to minimizing the disruption of this temporary closure for patrons."
Checked-out items can be returned to any other GVPL location, and the district says there are plans to install a temporary drop box for library returns at the Monterey Recreation Centre next week.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
Grandparent scam suspects had ties to Italian organized crime, Ontario police allege
A group of suspects that allegedly defrauded seniors across Ontario and other parts of Canada using a so-called emergency grandparent scam appear to have ties to 'Italian traditional organized crime,' according to an investigator involved in the OPP-led probe.
Sports columnist apologizes for ‘oafish’ comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn’t over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball’s highest scorer Caitlin Clark’s first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Trend Line Anger, pessimism towards federal government reach six-year high: Nanos survey
Most Canadians in March reported feeling angry or pessimistic towards the federal government than at any point in the last six years, according to a survey by Nanos Research.
BREAKING B.C.'s short-term rental regulations include $10K daily penalties for Airbnb, other platforms
Short-term rental platforms that violate B.C.'s pending regulations can face administrative penalties of up to $10,000 per day, officials announced Thursday.
Taylor Swift's new album allegedly 'leaked' on social media and it's causing a frenzy
A Google Drive link allegedly containing 17 tracks that are purportedly from Swift's eagerly awaited "The Tortured Poets Department" album has been making the rounds on the internet in the past day and people are equal parts mad, sad and happy about it.
Motion to allow keffiyehs at Ontario legislature fails
A motion to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh within Queen’s Park failed to receive unanimous consent Thursday just moments after Ontario Premier Doug Ford reiterated his view that prohibiting the garment in the House is divisive.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.