Jacqueline van Dyk, the Director of Library Services for the North Vancouver District Public Library has shared a heartfelt message with the community in response to the criminal incident outside the Lynn Valley Library.
Below is the message she shared:
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To our Lynn Valley and North Vancouver communities,
For an organization built around words, we are struggling for them.
Our hearts are heavy.
We grieve alongside our community for the woman who tragically lost her life in this heinous crime. No amount of condolence will provide solace from this loss but our hearts are with the victim’s family.
We send our strength and love to all victims in the aftermath of this devastating event. And we shine a light on our staff, the amazing merchants of the Lynn Valley Village, including staff at Delany’s Coffee House, Browns Socialhouse Lynn Valley, and the many witnesses for their tremendous courage.
To everyone who has taken time to message your love and support, we see you and we hear you—and we send your thoughts back out to the victims and everyone in our community who is devastated by this tragedy.
We know this pain is deeply felt by our community and we will walk alongside you in healing.
We are Lynn Valley Strong.
My beloved Lynn Valley. I am deeply saddened by these tragic events. Thank you to everyone who helped the victims and everyone involved.
I am from Alberta but my sister and niece live in North Van and use your library. My heart goes out to the victims and their families, you are in our hearts and prayers. ♥️
I can’t think of the words to say to make this better, I’m afraid there are none. So senseless, so tragic. My granddaughter and I love going to the library, especially the book sales. My thoughts and my heart are with all who were affected.
Our hearts are always troubled in the face of evil as it is the case of this horrible incident. In the last century alone, from the Nazis death camps of the 1940s to the communist regimes of Mao and Stalin more than 100 million human being were killed. However, it seems as if our utopian views of the goodness of humankind continue blinding some of us in the 21st century. It’s time to wake up from our dreams and start calling evil by its name. It is time to stop sugar coating everything, and to provide a realistic yet hopeful response to those trapped in the toils of evil and suffering. Our hearts and thoughts are with everyone affected by this incident.
What a sad tragic event. Thank you to all of the staff and people nearby who helped one another. You cared, and that shines.
My daughter and family lice nearby in the community. I couldn’t breathe until I heard her voice. My heart is broken for everyone and especially the families. I am keeping everyone surrounded with love and strength and my daughter will let me know what else I can do to help even if it is just donating more money. Whatever it takes. Lynn Valley Strong
As a fellow NVan Mom & frequent user of the beautiful space in Lynn Valley we all know and love, my heart hurts & I’ve cried a 1000 tears thinking of those who were injured & traumatized and most of all for the beautiful Mom who lost her life. It feels as though our cozy, mountain, calm community has lost its innocence with this incredibly shocking event. Bless all those that helped one another and the cops who took him down. ❤️
My heart hurts for everyone 😥
I live close by and am in this area almost every day.
Today we laid flowers at the memorial it was a very emotional experience. Just kneeling there and thinking of this woman who lost her life, the other people who were hurt and all the people who witnessed this horrific event.
All the people who rushed to help. You are in my heart and prayers. God Bless each of you.
May I express my gratitude for the woman who knew to put pressure on my Daughter’s head injury. Thank you! Bless You💚
Going forward, security guards are needed in that
area where washrooms are located. A bus stop out that door invites anyone from anywhere. Vagrants have been found recently sleeping in those washrooms.