Burnaby’s libraries are about to get a boost after council approved four projects totalling $225,000 on Monday, including mobile libraries on bikes and new washrooms.
Council approved $20,000 for “book bikes,” described in the staff report as “human-powered mobile library outposts.” The city will purchase one or more custom-made bicycle trailers, bike tricycles, or electric bicycles, that will be used by library staff to reach community members outside the library who might not otherwise visit the branch.
The bulk of the funding will go to renovations at the Bob Prittie Metrotown branch, with $150,000 slated to renovate washrooms and improve accessibility, by replacing existing family washrooms and parent’s room with accessible single-stall washrooms for transgender and disabled patrons.
The Cameron branch will see $40,000 for new shelving in the children’s section, and another $15,000 will go to replacing a damaged microfilm reader.
The city expects to spend the money on the libraries this year.
