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This Monday July 5 we’ll unlock our doors to the public for the first time in over six months. Yes, the more popular phrasing would be ‘open our doors’, but then we’d have to find something to prop them that way. The AC is on. It’s a whole thing. Unlike past (and more recent) reopenings, you will not be required to schedule an appointment to visit us. It’s sort of like where we were last October. If anyone can recall what stage/phase/step/pivot we were on at that point in time.
So, what exactly will be available when I enter the library next week? So glad you asked. First and foremost, you will be able to browse and borrow any of our material. We ask that you avoid unnecessary contact (i.e. look with your eyes and not your hands) and regulate yourself to short stays. When we first started the service last summer, our coworker asked why we used the name ‘book browsing’ and we were like, “Umm, it’s not really a big name. I guess cause that describes exactly what it is. Why?” And she goes, “Oh, I don’t know. Coulda gone with ‘book lookin’” and we were like, “Oh wow, yeah. That’s way more professional”. So, what we’re trying to say is TPL: here for all your book lookin’ needs. Now available during all regular library hours.
Starting Monday, you can also use our library computers by appointment or drop-in. If you’re concerned about availability and computer use is your sole purpose for the visit, we recommend you call ahead and claim your spot. Keyboards are sanitized each evening, paying special attention to R S T L N E, as well as three more consonants and one vowel of your choosing. You are also welcome to clean before and after use with our provided supplies.
For your convenience, we will also continue to offer curbside pickup, printing and photocopying services by request. And you don’t even have to explain how your home printer is out of ink and you’re not going to refill the ink and how the ink is expensive. You still will though. We’re just saying it’s not a requirement for this transaction. Anecdotally, it’s obviously fascinating stuff.
So, what is off-limits at the library? Well, first be aware that we are operating at limited capacity. We do not anticipate reaching this capacity, but if we do, then you may experience a brief wait. Think of it as a library nightclub capacity line. See, we don’t even know what that’s called. Trying to figure out if that makes it cooler or just plain weird will keep you occupied until it’s your turn to enter. Masks are required unless exempt and social distancing must be maintained.
One of the more significant changes is there will not be any seating available in the library in accordance with our short stay approach. No, you cannot just switch to relaxing with a novella and assume that counts. Study carrels will not be available during this time either, nor will desks for WiFi use on one’s personal device. If you wish to use the internet, you will need to use one of our library computer stations.
Approximately 35% of all questions we receive are about our bookdrop, somewhere near 27% concern a book return, and maybe 12% reference some kind of dropbox. How you got way more interested in bringing items back than taking them out in the first place, well never know. But this announcement should spice up your day. Our outdoor bookdrop will remain open during library hours until we move to the next stage of provincial reopening. It’s up to you whether you want to return material inside or outside at this time. If you find yourself at an impasse, we recommend a pros and cons list. We will also be returning to cardholder guideline implementation (aka “rules”) as we ease out of covid related leniency. We appreciate your patience as we collectively return to some semblance or normalcy.
Virtual programs will continue while we slowly and safely introduce some in-person options such as Saturdays Storywalks and limited capacity Adult Craft Night. Summer Reading Club reporting can also be done by either medium. To find more information about any of these event options, visit the Programming tab on our website.
If you have questions about our reopening, you are welcome to call us at 905-227-2581, email [email protected], or visit www.thoroldpubliclibrary.ca for the latest updates. Our hours of operation remain the same – Monday to Thursday 10-8 and Friday/Saturday 10-5.
