The library in Tahsis is on the move.
The Tahsis branch of Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) will be relocated to the vacant west wing of Captain Meares Elementary Secondary School.
Tahsis Mayor Jude Schooner said the move to a more modern, accessible space benefits both the community and the school.
“This is such a win, win,” Schooner told the Strathcona Regional District board at last week’s Wednesday meeting. “It’s a win for the community and it’s a win for the school because it makes it more sustainable. It’s a solution to keep the doors open, so we’re very happy that Vancouver Island Regional Library agreed to this.”
The move saves money for VIRL which was facing costly renovations to the Tahsis library’s existing location in the Village of Tahsis Municipal Hall.
And at 1,500 square feet, the new location nearly doubles the size of the existing branch.
Construction of the new library is expected to begin this fall, with a completion date of 2017, according to VIRL.
When the doors open, the community will be welcomed with a refreshed and tailored collection for Tahsis, newer technology and equipment including public computers, continued free WiFi, and enhanced access for those with disabilities.
In 2015, the Tahsis library welcomed almost 4,000 visitors through its doors with more than 10,000 items borrowed last year alone. Almost two-thirds of the population of the Village of Tahsis is a registered card-holder.
The library card in the Village of Tahsis is valued at approximately $1,636 in 2015, based on the unique items borrowed.