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UPDATE: Outreach services resume at re-opened North Delta library

The George Mackie Library opened its doors Aug. 8 after a two-month closure for renovations
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North Delta’s George Mackie Library. (Fraser Valley Regional Library photo)

North Delta’s George Mackie Library re-opened to the public on Monday (Aug. 8), two months after being closed for renovations.

The library closed on June 6 for re-roofing, window replacement and the installation of new blinds. During the closure, Fraser valley Regional Library operated a pop-up library at the Sungod Recreation Centre, offering a limited collection of of items to borrow and select services like hold pick-ups, item returns, and library card sign-ups.

“George Mackie Library staff appreciated the customers who visited the pop-up Library at Sungod Recreation Centre for their patience and sense of humour. In addition, library staff want to thank everyone at Sungod Recreation Centre for graciously accommodating us for almost two months.” Dr. Sarwan Singh Randhawa, acting manager of Delta’s libraries, said in a press release.

On Monday, the library welcomed customers back with complimentary refreshments throughout the day as they browsed the Mackie’s collection. Full library services have now resumed, including public internet stations, colour printing and copying, and self check-out.

Outreach services also resumed this week, with social services organization S.U.C.C.E.S.S. attending the library weekly.

Beginning Aug. 9, Pashto and Dari-speaking outreach staff from S.U.C.C.E.S.S. will be at the library every Tuesday from 1 to 5 pm, offering assistance to individuals and families who are temporary or permanent residents and people who are already Canadian citizens. Settlement workers from S.U.C.C.E.S.S. can answer questions and concerns about services including employment, health, housing, settlement and more.

Then, starting Sept. 10, MOSAIC outreach staff will also be at the library the second Wednesday of the month from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to help residents discover the free employment programs offered by WorkBC.

“If you are looking for work and you are a skilled immigrant, Indigenous, a young adult, an older worker, a person with disabilities or barriers, or experiencing homelessness, come to the library to find out what is available for you,” the library said in a press release.

For those looking to improve their English, the library is hosting Conversation Circles on Wednesdays starting Sept. 7. Every week, participants can practice their English and meet new friends through speaking and listening about different topics in a safe and friendly space.

Meanwhile, in-person Babytime and Storytime programs returns to the Mackie Library beginning Aug. 11.

Babytime — which helps babies develop speech and language skills through singing and rhyming with stories — runs Thursdays from 10:30 to 11 a.m. (except Sept. 1).

Storytime — which introduces kids to the love of books and language through interactive stories, songs, rhymes and more — runs Thursdays from 6:30 to 7 p.m. (except Sept. 1) and Fridays and Saturdays from 10:30 to 11 a.m. (except Sept. 2).

Other in-person events returning to the library this month include Evening Book Club (Aug. 9, 7 to 7:45 p.m.) and Afternoon Book Club (Aug. 25, 1:15 to 2:45 p.m.).

To register for the above programs or browse a complete list of in-person and virtual programs, visit the events page at fvrl.ca.

(Editor’s note: this story has been updated from an earlier version to reflect a change in the start date for MOSAIC outreach services and include recently announced additional Storytime dates/times and Conversation Circles.)

SEE ALSO: ‘Twin Adventures’ for Surrey co-authors who wrote a children’s book about South Asian kids



editor@northdeltareporter.com

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James Smith

About the Author: James Smith

James Smith is the founding editor of the North Delta Reporter.
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