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Ironwood library branch to re-open following small fire

Richmond’s Ironwood library is scheduled to re-open this Wednesday after a small fire in a supply closet shut down the branch for just over three weeks.
Ironwood library
Ironwood Library Branch. Image: Google Maps

Richmond’s Ironwood library is scheduled to re-open this Wednesday after a small fire in a supply closet shut down the branch for just over three weeks.

Early in the morning of July 21, a fire began in a supply room before any staff or guests were in the library. Fire crews responded quickly, limiting damage to the supply room. Following the fire the library closed to assess damage and begin restoration.

“With this sort of thing there’s cleaning that’s required. We’re pleased now that the bulk of that is behind us and that we’re able to move ahead and open,” said Stephanie Vokey, coordinator of marketing and public relations for the Richmond Public Library, who didn’t have information about how the fire started.

“We’ve been working to make sure everything’s clean and ready to go.”

Vokey added that, while the library will re-open on Aug. 15, there will likely be a backlog of returns and holds to process.

“We just need the community’s patience a little bit longer,” she said. “I’m just thrilled to hear that we can get (the branch) back open…it is a favourite library branch. There is a whole community that really uses that branch.”