Burnaby’s Temporary Cameron Library in Lougheed mall is getting three new staff to deal with an increased workload sparked by a surge in demand from four nearby apartment towers.
The library has moved into the mall while the original location at 9523 Cameron St. is redeveloped into a much larger community centre and library.
Library staff made the case for a budget increase at a council meeting Monday.
Branch manager Desiree Baron said Cameron has doubled the number of library cards issued since the temporary location opened.
“That’s a lot more people coming through the branches; lots more activities; books coming out; books coming in; books being put on hold – and it’s a lot of work,” Baron said, noting the staffing levels did not increase after the move.
The temporary library is 1,000 square feet larger than the original location, according to a staff report.
The Cameron branch has also seen about a 46% increase in foot traffic – and that’s a low estimate, according to library staff.
One councillor asked whether the membership increase was due to non-Burnaby residents.
“Actually, it’s all the towers around the mall,” Baron said, referring to the first four towers of the City of Lougheed development on the mall site.
“There’s one called Evergreen Place that I think some neighbour told another neighbour, and there are hundreds of them that came through in a couple of weeks.”
City of Lougheed developer Shape Properties said the four towers (the first rental tower saw residents move in in 2022) will be home to more than 1,500 residents.
Library staff asked council for $154,900 to fund two extra information clerks and (one full-time and one part-time) and a part-time page.
Council unanimously approved the increase.
Mayor Mike Hurley said what he’s seen at Cameron, with more people using library services, is a “good news story.”
“It’s incredible, the amount of increase. It’s incredible, the success of moving over there,” he said.
“And the one thing I get the most good reports on … is that our library services are so good and so top-notch.”
The temporary Lougheed space will close when the new Cameron Community Centre and Library is completed in 2028.
The mall is planned to be redeveloped as part of a 37-acre master-planned community, including about 20 towers.
