Photo: Rendering of the new Masset Branch.
Photo Credit: VIRL
Community members in Masset will soon be able to enjoy a modernized library experience at the new Masset Library and Haida Language Lab. This multi-year project, led by the Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL), wraps up this Fall to provide a community-focused, welcoming, and inclusive space for all community members.
Prior to the completion of the project, VIRL leased a 1,580 square foot log building to house their collections and provide a community activity space. While appreciated by patrons, the building was not compliant with 14 of the 22 minimum requirements established by VIRL for library branch locations, including non-compliance with the current BC Building Code, accessibility, lighting, and the floor’s load bearing abilities. To provide an improved and wholly inclusive atmosphere for patrons and staff, VIRL, the Village of Masset, and the Old Masset Village Council partnered to develop a next generation library and Haida Language Learning Lab to meet satisfy community and cultural needs now and into the future.
“We are thrilled with the possibility of a technology room,” wrote Chief Councillor Donal Edgars, Old Masset Village Council, after learning about VIRL’s proposed project, and before the building broke ground. “The Haida language is a language isolate, there is NO OTHER language like it in the world. It has been endangered for the past ten years… A technology centre makes sense in this community… Many families have tapes, mp3s, VHS, etc that can [be copied] for our language groups to catalogue for things like our language app, animation projects, and future film projects and language programs.”
The Haida language preservation and learning lab is nearly one-third of the 3,870 square foot building that honours Hida culture and the Masset community through vertical cedar siding and timber beams.
Photo: The former Masset Branch location.
Photo Credit: VIRL
“With the input from Masset and Old Massett, Vancouver Island Regional Library has reflected the feedback they received in the plans for this new library building, which will increase its use even further,” Said Village of Masset Mayor Sheri Disney when construction was announced. “We’re thankful and excited for this investment in our communities!”
It is anticipated that the investments into a new facility, and the relationship with the Haidia Language Learning Lab will increase annual traffic from 13,800 people to 16,560 in the first year of the library’s operations in the new building. This forecast is the result of multiple factors, including:
- the amenities that VIRL will offer, including wi-fi, public computers, meeting rooms, Haida language preservation and learning lab
- increased operating hours: VIRL will double the annual hours of operation from 1,020 to 2,080
- increased program offerings: the new space will allow them to continue offering classic programs, including regular programming with Haida Elder Vern Williams, in-branch film nights, weekly story time visits to the Haida Language Office, and programming for homeschooling families. It is anticipated that 15 more program events will be added in the first year, and an additional eight program events in the second year.
- Increased memberships: VIRL trends identify that capital projects tend to increase memberships. For the Masset Library branch location, membership is expected to increase by 20 percent in the first year.
To support the Masset and Haida communities and culture, Northern Development approved a $100,000 grant through its Cultural Infrastructure funding program.
