Brodie Library is on track to reopen for Tuesday, September 2. The branch has been closed since June 16 to make a number of changes to address safety and security issues, including:
- 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 branch 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 for patrons wishing to access the Local History, Photo and Map Collections; and
- moving the Friends of the Library Used Bookstore from Brodie to Waverley, where evening and weekend hours will better align with customer preferences.
“We’re confident that the changes we’ve made over the past two and a half months will not only improve safety and security for staff and patrons, they’ll contribute to a better experience overall,” says Library CEO Richard Togman.
The majority of Brodie’s public-facing operations are now on the main floor, while the Research Department now works out of the lower level. “This means we’re able to concentrate staff more, and offer staff clear sightlines throughout the public spaces,” Togman said. “Moving the Research Department to the lower level means local history buffs and researchers now have a dedicated space to access our special collections and work with departmental staff, vastly improving their experience.”
Visitors to the branch will now be greeted by a circulation desk placed front and centre. The Children’s section has moved to a brightly-lit main floor space on the south side of the building, with seating now available so parents and caregivers can relax while their children play and explore the collection.
Brodie Library will reopen on Tuesday, September 2 at 9:30am. See branch hours here.