Regional district brings brick-and-mortar library proposal to council 

Residents could see expanded library services in the future as Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) library staff begin early conversations with council about long-term options for the community.

Julie Creaser, TNRD general manager of library services, Melissa Lowenberg, manager of community libraries and engagement and Jenny Abramzik, manager of discovery and support services, appeared at the Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality committee of the whole meeting Feb. 3.

“We came to council just to understand if there were any concerns about library service and to hear their thoughts,” Lowenberg said. 

Sun Peaks has been on the TNRD’s radar for several years, with approximately $750,000 in capital reserves set aside to fund a library facility in the community, Lowenberg said. 

Demand for library services is already evident through the mobile library, which stops in Whitecroft and Sun Peaks and has seen strong and consistent use, comparable to smaller TNRD communities with brick-and-mortar libraries open significantly more hours each week.

Patrons using the mobile service have consistently expressed gratitude and a desire for greater access, Lowenberg explained. Library staff said this feedback reinforces what they have heard for years: residents want more consistent, local library services.

“We’ve known for quite a few years that people wanted more access and we have been trying to do that within our mobile library schedule.”

Residents can contribute their thoughts through this survey.

A long-term vision for Sun Peaks

The concept of a Sun Peaks library aligns with long-term planning documents. The Sun Peaks Official Community Plan identifies working with the TNRD to establish modern public library services and a community gathering space as a key objective. The TNRD Library’s 2023 Facilities Master Plan further identifies a brick-and-mortar library in Sun Peaks as a priority.

The TNRD’s proposal stated that a permanent library would serve a year-round population of approximately 1,400 residents, as well as an additional 500 seasonal residents, numbers comparable to other TNRD communities with established libraries.

Beyond lending books, the library would function as a modern community hub, offering children’s, teen and adult programming, as well as a space for residents to gather, connect or decompress, according to the report. 

Sun Peaks residents already have access to extensive digital resources through the TNRD, including eBooks, audiobooks, magazines and streaming platforms such as Libby, Hoopla and Kanopy. A physical library would build on that foundation and expand participation across the community.

While no final decisions have been made, TNRD’s delegation outlined what residents could expect if the project proceeds. Recommended space requirements include a 1,000 to 4,000 square foot accessible facility, ideally with natural light, program and meeting space, exterior signage and accessible parking. Features such as a book return slot available 24 hours a day, public washrooms and adequate technology infrastructure are also envisioned.

Anticipated service hours would likely mirror other similarly sized TNRD libraries, with approximately 16 hours per week spread across weekdays, evenings and a weekend opening. Additional possibilities include meeting rooms with video conferencing, expanded holds pickup options, and technology-supported access during closed hours.

At this stage, no timeline has been set. While the capital funding is already in place, ongoing operational costs have not yet been approved. A review of mobile library services is currently underway, with further discussion expected at an upcoming TNRD board meeting.

“This is really the first signpost on the road,” Lowenberg said. “There were no red lights or caution flags from Sun Peaks council, which is encouraging. Now we continue down the path forward.”

Public consultation would be a key next step, allowing residents of Sun Peaks and Whitecroft to share input on programming, space use and preferred hours of operation.

Editor’s Note: This story was updated March 24 to include a link to a resident survey.