Library set to reopen on Monday

The Sault Ste. Marie Public Library will be open for service beginning on Monday after a closure due to the provincial COVID-19 restrictions implemented earlier this month.

The library's James L. McIntyre Centenntial Branch as well as the North Branch will reopen on Monday though some services will not be available for the time being.

Following is a full release with details on the reopening:

The Sault Ste. Marie Public Library is reopening its doors to the public starting Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. The library has been closed in response to the provincial State of Emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of a staged reopening, Library locations will be open for the following hours:

• Monday
  • James L. McIntyre Centennial Library: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • North Branch: Noon to 5 p.m.
• Tuesday
  • James L. McIntyre Centennial Library: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • North Branch: Noon to 5 p.m.
• Wednesday
  • James L. McIntyre Centennial Library: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • North Branch: Noon to 8 p.m.
• Thursday
  • James L. McIntyre Centennial Library: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • North Branch: Noon to 5 p.m.
• Friday
  • James L. McIntyre Centennial Library: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • North Branch: Noon to 5 p.m.
• Saturday
  • James L. McIntyre Centennial Library: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • North Branch: Closed
• Sunday
  • James L. McIntyre Centennial Library: Closed
  • North Branch: Closed

Everyone entering the building is required to provide proof of vaccination and must wear a mask unless otherwise exempted. Curbside service will continue to be offered. 

To help ensure the health and safety of the public and staff, the Library has increased its cleaning protocols. Due to physical distancing limitations, the Library will be offering limited services. Capacity limits will be 30 members of the public at the James L. McIntyre Centennial Library and 20 members of the public at the North Branch. Visitors may be required to wait before entering. The Library stacks will be open for browsing, however staff ask that any library materials that are handled by the public be placed on one of the carts provided. Seating within the library will be very limited. Additional rules, such as no consumption of food and drink while in the library, will also be in place.

Services that will resume at a limited capacity include:

• Computer/Internet Services (limited stations available – shorter booking times)
• Reference and Reader’s Advisory
• Public Washroom Access
• Limited Copying/Scanning/Faxing services

The Library will offer free vaccine passport lamination services at the North Branch and through the Administration Office at the James L. McIntyre Centennial Library from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm daily Monday to Friday. The public is encouraged to call Library Administration at 705-759-5242 to have their vaccine passports printed off for pickup at Curbside.

Services that will not be available during this phase of reopening include:

• Room Rentals
• Visiting Library Service
• Daily Periodicals/Newspapers
• Educational Toys in the Children’s area
• Study Area Space
• Self-service Public Access Catalogues
• Water Fountain
• 3D printing
• VHS-DVD Conversion 

Virtual programming will continue to be made available to users through the Library’s website and social media.

The Friends of the Library Bookstore will also be reopening. Store capacity is reduced to 5 customers at a time. The Library is accepting book donations.

Ontario’s public libraries are actively monitoring the evolving situation regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Public libraries are working closely with local municipalities, public health authorities and Ontario’s library services agencies to make timely, responsible decisions about programming, services and access. For up-to-date information about the status please consult the Library’s website www.ssmpl.ca or reach out to us through social media.