An Oasis in a Time of Crisis
The Library in Tumbler Ridge became a place of sanctuary for many after the tragedy
Libraries are the oft-forgotten hearts of communities, providing a sanctuary for those wishing to learn, to read, to access the internet, and to connect. When tragedy struck the close-knit community of Tumbler Ridge, the library became much more – it became an oasis during a time of turmoil for community members to come together and process the heartbreak.
“We always were a hub but it’s been emphasized over the last couple of weeks,” comments Paula, Head Librarian. “My staff were actually helping right after with the children that were evacuated.”
A shocking heartbreak
“I wasn’t working when it happened,” recalls Paula. “I was at home and heard the alerts but thought it was an Amber Alert from somewhere a thousand miles away. And then I picked up my phone and saw Tumbler Ridge. I did a double take and thought that can’t be right, no, that can’t be right.”
She immediately called the staff working at the library to see if they were safe and on lock down. With the library located within the community centre, staff quickly began to support District staff as they navigated the tragedy. Since then, the library continues to play a supporting role in helping the community.
Paula also remembers the decision to stay open right after the tragedy. “My first instinct was to hunker down but then I thought of our regulars who come into the library all the time. I knew they would be looking for a place to talk and debrief.”
A place to begin healing
After checking with her staff, they opened their doors to create a safe, non-judgemental space. Staff set out mandala colouring sheets, air‑dry clay, and played the Olympics on TV to provide some small comforts. They even had a former staff member return to volunteer for a week, allowing the library to extend its hours and remain available on the weekend and Family Day Holiday.
Being open allowed some of the students to find a place they could feel safe. “They feel comfortable here and, at first, they weren’t sure about going to the counselors down the hall.” It became important to the staff to not push the students but just be present when they needed.
As Paula comments, “It’s those kinds of things that you can do when you’re in an environment where they feel safe and don’t feel judged.”
Supporting each other in the dark moments
While the tragedy happened in a small community, the impact has been felt across the province and country. Support and help have flowed into Tumbler Ridge over the past two weeks as the community comes to terms with what happened.
“There’s so much support reaching out from everyone,” comments Paula. “I’m a little nervous about when everybody leaves.”
It’s the long-term support that United Way BC centres on; the support that comes as the community transitions to recovery. From its experience supporting communities after tragedies, the organization knows that grief and healing take time. It’s measured in months and years, not days and weeks. Focusing on the long-term recovery and resilience, the organization has committed $100,000 to support the town further down the road.
However, that doesn’t mean there isn’t support from the organization already taking place. Through 211 and Helpline Services, affected can access support. For free confidential support, call or text VictimLinkBC at 1-800-563-0808.
For the immediate need, United Way BC is supporting the library with five new laptops thanks to an anonymous donor. The laptops will help those visiting the library to access the internet and resources, and for some families, compile memorial materials.
Remaining at the heart of the community
“If we helped even one person, that alone made it worth it.” Paula’s sentiment rings true and emphasizes the importance of wrap-around and community supports.
Today, the library remains a compassionate anchor offering dignity, safety, and connection when the community needs it most
