Long wait over for users of library in Peachland
‘Very busy little branch’ of Okanagan Regional Library has been closed since SUV crashed through front of it in April
A low-key reopening is planned today for the Peachland library, closed since early April when a car crashed into the front of the branch.
“Not all of the furnishings have arrived and there will be areas that still need to be completed in terms of construction,” Okanagan Regional Library executive director Stephanie Hall said Monday.
“However, it was critical that we reopen as soon as possible, as it’s a very busy little branch,” Hall said. “What we may do is plan a little community party later in the summer when the branch is all done, possibly in concert with the summer reading club festivities.”
A 72-year-old woman lost control of her SUV in the middle of the parking lot in front of the branch, at a strip mall on Clements Crescent. The car crashed through a window, ending up completely inside the library.
Five people inside the branch were injured. The most seriously hurt was a 56-year-old Peachland man, who had to undergo surgery.
“We have repainted, recarpeted and replanned the space, so it should be looking better, even if it is a little bit in transition,” Hall said.
“Furnishings we’re waiting for are some mobile shelves to allow the library to be used for larger programs, as classes, programs and workshops are one area where we’ve been seeing a lot of growth over the past four years, with a 19 per cent jump last year,” Hall said.
Meanwhile, police say their investigation into the crash continues.
“Investigators are awaiting the finalized report to be completed by the RCMP Southeast District Collision Analyst and Reconstructionist Services prior to making the determination of whether evidence exists to indicate the suitability of charges against the driver,” said Kelowna RCMP Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey.
“A full mechanical inspection has since been conducted on the BMW SUV, the results of which continue to be reviewed by our investigators,” O’Donaghey said.
Those reports, as well as evidence gathered at the scene and witness accounts, will all factor into any possible decision to lay charges against the driver, he said.