After the closure of the Michael Donovan Public Library in the west end of St. John’s two months ago due to the end of its rental agreement at the Waterford Valley Mall on Topsail Road, efforts to secure a new location have faced a setback. The provincial government’s tender for a new site did not receive any submissions, as reported by AllNewfoundlandLabrador.

Josh Smee, the vice-chair of the Friends of the St. John’s Public Library non-profit advisory board, expressed frustration and disappointment at the lack of progress in finding a new home for the library. Despite its small size, the Michael Donovan Public Library was a popular spot among patrons. Smee emphasized the importance of reopening the library in the west end and highlighted the impact of its absence on the community.

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure is currently collaborating with Newfoundland and Labrador Public Libraries to determine the next steps for relocating the library. Janelle Simms, a department spokesperson, confirmed the intention to keep the library in the west end of St. John’s.

Smee urged potential landlords in the west end to engage with the process and emphasized the community’s strong attachment to the library. He called for a revised tender process that would yield successful results in the future.

Library patron Juanette Anthony shared her disappointment over the closure, noting the convenience of the library’s computer access and expressing a desire for its reopening in the same area with expanded facilities. Anthony emphasized her love for books and the importance of having access to a local library.

The quest to find a new home for the Michael Donovan Public Library continues, with hopes for a successful outcome in the near future.