What the announcement did do for the OML was enable all of its nine staff members to come back to the facility instead of working from home, as they have since the pandemic lockdowns began nearly a year ago.
During that time, the library offered curbside delivery and put much of its programming online.
Winfield said even when the library becomes fully open again, it will likely continue to offer curbside services because that’s proven to be very popular. The curbside service is especially convenient for seniors or the disabled.
"I’m thinking about some of the seniors who come to the library who have mobility issues who can’t walk around or they’re walking around with their canes or their walkers,” she said.
“If we can bring those to their car instead of them having to walk all the way in to our front desk then we can certainly do that for them.”
She said programming such as story time, may be offered in-house and online.
Winfield she and her staff were thrilled when the March 1 announcement was made.
"We will be able to bring back all of our staff, so that’ll be nice for them, because a lot of them have been working from home for a little while and we’re excited to see those faces again,” she said.
When the lockdowns occurred, half of the library’s computers made available to the public were removed so that the remaining ones would be at least six feet apart. Each time they’re used, they’re sanitized.
Doors and other areas accessed by the public are frequently sanitized as well.
Winfield said a lot of people contacted the library wanting to do things like job searches, print resumes, or to obtain CERB benefits.
Also, lots of post-secondary students wanted to use the library for reference purposes or to write or supervise exams.
And now that it’s tax time, others will be anxious to do their taxes online.
Winfield said throughout the lockdown staff, patrons and others pressed Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills MLA Nathan Cooper to have the restrictions lifted so patrons could use those services.
She believes those efforts paid off; that Cooper helped make the latest relaxation of restrictions happen.
Throughout the pandemic, Winfield has been impressed with how patrons have abided by the lockdown protocols.
“Most people are really, really good about not arguing about wearing masks. They just come in, they’ve already got their mask on,” she said.
