THUNDER BAY — The Brodie Resource Library will be closed on June 16 and won't reopen until September.
The Thunder Bay Public Library made the announcement Thursday, saying the closure will facilitate significant renovations that will be done in conjunction with the implementation of new safety and security measures.
The branch was closed briefly in May after a visitor assaulted a member of the staff.
After the union representing library workers subsequently accused management of doing little to protect staff and patrons, CEO Richard Togman said multiple changes were already in the works, including upgrades to branches that would focus on safety infrastructure.
All but two of 75 "safety incidents" logged by TBPL between January and March of this year occurred at the two downtown branches, including 41 at Brodie.
"A temporary closure at Brodie has been part of the restructuring plans we've been making for the library system from the start," Togman said in a prepared statement released Thursday morning.
"However, in light of the increasing and escalating security incidents at the branch, we're adjusting our schedule to prioritize the Brodie changes."
According to the news release, the plan includes:
- hiring new "security-focused" staff
- implementing a new floor plan with improved lines of sight and better spaces to browse and study
- moving most of the collection to the main floor for easier access and better building flow
- creating a dedicated research department on the lower level, with its own service desk
- helping the Friends of the Library used book store relocate from Brodie to the Waverley Street branch
Togman said the extended closure is "driven by unfortunate circumstances," but will make for a smoother renovation process.
"We'd initially estimated the changes at Brodie were going to take us upwards of half a year to implement, but by closing now we're sparing ourselves months of stepping around renovations and blocking off different areas to the public. The physical changes can happen all at once, and more quickly."
Togman added that the shutdown will provide some relief for staff from what's becoming "untenable working conditions" for some members.
He promised that new security personnel, new procedures and a new layout will significantly improve safety and security for staff and members of the public.
Library workers will remain on the job during renovations so the collection can be reorganized to accommodate the new floor plan.
They will also receive training on the new safety, security, and customer service protocols.
