Sault libraries reopen today with some restrictions

As of today, the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library has reopened for business.

While not all services are available to the public, including room rentals, copying and scanning services, and 3D printing, the stacks are open for browsing and computer services will resume with some limitations.

Full text of a news release issued today by the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library follows:

The Sault Ste. Marie Public Library is reopening its doors to the public starting today, Monday July 5, 2021. 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 the following hours:
    •    James L. McIntyre Centennial Library - Monday to Friday 1 to 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., closed Sunday
    •    North Branch - Monday to Friday noon to 5 p.m., closed Saturday and Sunday

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. Everyone entering the building is expected to follow the Board’s Face Covering Policy, and must wear a mask unless they fall under one of the stated exceptions. This policy, along with all of the Board’s other policies, can be found on the Library’s website at www.ssmpl.ca

Due to physical distancing limitations, the library will be offering limited services and will be permitting only 30 members of the public in the James L. McIntyre Centennial Library and 20 members of the public in the North Branch at a time. Visitors may be required to wait before entering. The library stacks will be open for browsing, however staff asks that any books that are handled by the public be placed on one of the carts provided for quarantine. 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

Services that will not be available during this phase of reopening include:
    •    Room rentals
    •    Copying/scanning/faxing services
    •    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

There are no fines for late returns.

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 set to three customers at a time. The Library will now accept 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 or reach out to us through social media.