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Parksville mayor tries virtual reality at library

Open house showcases modern new features
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Parksville Mayor Ed Mayne tries virtual reality for the first time. VR is a new feature at the refreshed Parksville Public Library, which has undergone major renovations. — Michael Briones photo

An open house was held to celebrate the refurbished parts of the Parksville Library on Saturday, March 30.

The event was attended by Mayor Ed Mayne, who tried virtual reality, a new feature, for the first time. Also present were Qualicum Beach Coun. Adam Walker and Vancouver Island Regional Library executive director, Rosemary Bonanno.

Children in attendance were treated to programs, including the 3D printing booth, and cake.

The library recently underwent a makeover and was closed for a month earlier this year. It was reopened Feb. 7 and an open house was staged to introduce the addition to the newly painted and resurfaced library.

READ MORE: The strangest things ever returned to BC public library

Among the added features to the library are cozy lounge area with fireplace, new furniture, a laptop bar, teen study areas, an all-new children’s area, and a new collection of materials for readers of any age and interest, new circulation desk, and new book drop.

Bonanno said applying the new attractions coincided with the library’s scheduled makeover.

“Since we were going to do painting and replacing the floor, we looked at how we could maximize our dollars and we did,” said Bonanno. “What you see today is the joint effort between the municipality and ourselves.”

The Parksville branch has been opened for approximately 15 years and there has been very little maintenance done, said Bonanno.

“So it’s appropriate to do it this time and we wanted that 21st century aura about the library,” said Bonanno. “Libraries are evolving and we want to ensure that the citizens in this branch can take advantage of everything that now is in a modern library.”

The total budget for this project was approximately $150,000, with $40,000 supplied by the City of Parksville for new flooring.

Michael.Briones@pqbnews.com

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Michael Briones

About the Author: Michael Briones

I rejoined the PQB News team in April 2017 from the Comox Valley Echo, having previously covered sports for The NEWS in 1997.
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