The Penticton Library and Museum and Archives will be closed through the month of June while the city installs electrical upgrades throughout the building.
The closure is set to begin on May 31 and will end with the building reopening on July 3.
“We understand this will cause disruption to users and we’re taking steps to ensure patrons can access the digital collections and also stock up on physical materials,” said chief librarian Heather Buzzell. “These upgrades are much needed to ensure our facility can provide the level of service that residents expect. We thank everyone for their patience as we go through this period of renovation.”
During the closure, the Library’s physical collections and book returns will not be available. All due dates will be extended through June until the facility is reopened, as the book drop will be closed through the upgrades.
The library is increasing the number of books people are able to check out per card to 75. This increase only applies to books — not magazines, DVDs, board or video games or other Library of Things items.
A library staff member will be available by phone (250-770-7781) from Tuesday to Friday between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., to help with any account questions or problems.
Questions can also be emailed to info@pentictonlibrary.ca. All digital collections will remain available during the closure with an active Penticton Public Library card (https://pentictonlibrary.ca/borrow/online/).
Families who’ve signed up for Summer Reading Club packages will have pick-up details announced closer to the date on the Library’s website and Facebook page.
Youth under 24 that are wanting to register for the free transit pass can still do so at city hall, the Foundry, the Ooknakane Friendship Centre or the Community Centre.
The Penticton Museum and Archives will be closed from May 31, reopening on July 3.
Teachers who wish to speak with museum educator, Chandra Wong, or arrange for an off-site program, can call 250 487 9446 after June 3.
“We know that the museum is a popular destination for families as we head into the summer, but these electrical upgrades are needed to bring the building up to par and ensure continued operation for some time to come. The museum will be present at this year’s Kidzfest and we look forward to re-opening in early July,” said Dennis Oomen, manager of the Penticton Museum and Archives.
Archival inquiries can be sent to: pentictonmuseumarchives@penticton.ca or, phone 250-490-2452. All inquiries will be dealt with when the archives re-open.
The work includes upgrading of the full building infrastructure to the current 600V three-phase standard.
All equipment being replaced within the facility requires full decommissioning, in addition to the removal and replacement of any non-reusable and obsolete wiring throughout the facility.
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