By CKPG Today

Water damage

Roof leak causes significant damage to library collection

Jun 24, 2024 | 12:25 PM

PRINCE GEORGE — Heavy rain over the weekend had major consequences for the Nechako Branch of the Prince George Public Library (PGPL).

The Prince George Public Library says a roof leak has caused significant damage to the library’s collection, closing the library until further notice.

“The mall owners had begun work to repair existing roof damage on June 17, but heavy rainfall on the weekend caused water to leak through the ceiling, damaging books, shelves, ceiling tiles, and flooring. The closure impacts 8,400 patrons and eight staff members,” says a library news release.

There are more than 24,000 items in the collection at the Nechako Branch, including books, audiobooks, DVDs, video games, and other materials. Library and City of Prince George staff were on site on Sunday to start the cleanup process, and to begin assessing the impact to the collection and library operations. At the moment, items in the Nechako Branch collection are not available for borrowing.

“The Nechako Branch is an important part of PGPL’s library services,” said Library Director Paul Burry. “It offers collections, programs for all ages, wireless internet and computer access, and community space for Hart residents. The accessible store-front location is also the preferred branch for many living outside the Hart. 125 people visit the Nechako Branch every day, so we know it impacts our community members when we have to close the branch.”

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PGPL will continue to provide updates on its Facebook page and website at www.pgpl.ca.

In 2023, there were nearly 34,000 visits to Nechako Branch. Patrons borrowed 85,200 items last year and there were 2,328 participants in branch programs. PGPL has leased the space in the Hart Centre Mall for its Nechako Branch location since 1995. The branch has closed unexpectedly for facility issues seven times since the start of 2023, including for water leaks and damage on November 15 of 2023, as well as January 15 and May 6 of 2024.