Last Thursday, Premier Doug Ford announced the province's public libraries will be allowed to re-open on Tuesday for curbside pick-up service.
The Sault's public libraries won't be moving quite so fast, though
"Even though the premier has announced that libraries may re-open on May 19, 2020, the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library will not be offering the service at that time," Matthew MacDonald, chief executive officer of local libraries, tells SooToday.
However, the library's board will meet on Tuesday to discuss a first draft of its post-pandemic exit plan, including proposed introduction of curbside service at the downtown James L. McIntyre Centennial Library on Monday, May 25.
Subject to board approval, suggested reduced hours for the curbside service are as follows:
- Monday - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Tuesday - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Wednesday - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Thursday - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Friday - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Saturday - 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Sunday - closed
According to the draft plan, the main Centennial Library will re-open first, with limited staff retrieval at curbside and holds pickup available just outside the front entrance, weather permitting.
A temporary service desk will be set up in the Centennial Library's lobby, primarily to provide curbside service.
Holds material will be bagged and placed on tables, with set pickup times.
Anyone missing a pick up appointment will be required to reschedule.
During this initial phase, the library's stacks will remain closed to the public.
Returns will be accepted only through the dropbox and will be quarantined for 72 hours prior to reshelving.
After this initial curbside arrangement has been assessed and tweaked, it will be expanded to the North Branch next to the Boreal French Immersion Public School at 232-C Northern Ave. E.
