INNISFAIL – The local public library is open, not in full swing mind you, but enough to serve up to 90 patrons at a time.
For the first time in almost three months, the Innisfail Public Library has been allowed to open its doors to the public.
On March 1, the province decided to move cautiously to Step 2 of its four-step COVID recovery strategy, and libraries, which were forced to close as of 12:01 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 13, are allowed to reopen.
Tara Downs, the manager of the Innisfail Public Library, said doors were opened to the public at 10 a.m. on March 2.
However, the library must limit capacity to 15 per cent of fire occupancy, not including staff. Downs said the legal capacity of the library is 600 patrons, and for now, 90 will be the maximum number allowed inside at any given time.
“It was a surprise to me because they did the same thing the last time we opened and they said 25 per cent,” said Downs, adding the normal maximum capacity for computer usage is 12 but that will also have to be reduced.
“Obviously, they are basing this on picking a number. It is lower than it was last time. Depending on the size of the library and ours is quite large, and given that we are not holding programs or anything there is no way we are going to get close to that (90)."
As for programming, the library will start with kit-based programming, such as Spanish for Kids, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), Crafternoon kits, as well as some Zoom features, Book Club and Art from the Heart, an early-stage dementia art program.
“Typically, what we have done in-person, we are doing via kit-based, or Zoom or with a Zoom component to them,” said Downs.
“I am very excited,” she added. “The library is a community amenity, and with so little going on or having activities to do it is great.”
