SUNDRE — Provided they wear masks and observe pandemic protocols, patrons may once again return to the local library to sign out materials or perhaps even use public computers.
Karen Tubb, Sundre Municipal Library manager, said during an interview the day after the provincial government announced Step 2 of the phased economic relaunch strategy, that the doors would be unlocked on March 3.
“We’re so pleased to be able to re-open,” said Tubb.
The manager called Health Minister Tyler Shandro’s words about recognizing the important role libraries play in municipalities — especially rural communities — “really encouraging.”
Throughout the past summer and fall prior to the second lockdown just before the holidays, library staff had developed a system that followed health guidelines outlined by the provincial government.
“We had a routine that ensured patron and staff safety, and it worked very smoothly,” she said.
“So, we’re just planning to slide right back into the same routine.”
That largely means a mandatory mask policy with a hand sanitizing station at the entrance, which is only one way for incoming traffic, with an emergency exit temporarily serving as the way out so there is a flow through. Additionally, materials that are returned will continue to be quarantined for three days before they’re checked in, she said.
“There are no fines at the moment, because we realize people are delayed in returning items, and also the quarantining period means that things aren’t getting checked in right away,” she said.
Interlibrary loans are also once again back up and running, and a separate checkout desk has been set up to reduce the potential for congestion at the front desk, she added.
However, until more information regarding what is permitted has been made available by Alberta Health Services and Public Libraries Services Branch, there are no plans to resume in-person programs yet, she said.
“Right now, the guidelines are 15 per cent the fire code capacity,” she said.
The Sundre Fire Department’s acting chief was scheduled to visit the library to determine that limit, she said.
“We’re a big space, so I don’t think that we’re going to be limited to just a couple of people.”
But the capacity restriction could possibly have an impact on, for example, how long someone is allowed to stay at a computer in the event there are others waiting in line. And in-person, early literacy initiatives such as Wiggles and Giggles as well as Rhyme and Rhythm remain on hold for now, she said.
“We’re doing online programming. So, we’re doing online story times and online Lego club,” she said, adding there are also some online adult programs planned for this month.
Curbside services also remain available to anyone who might for any reason be reluctant to physically return to the library.
The doors are open Wednesdays from 2-7:30 p.m., on Tuesdays from noon to 4 p.m., as well as Thursdays and Fridays from 1-4 p.m. The library is closed weekends and Mondays.
“We just hope the numbers stay low, and that we can slowly but surely reopen things,” she said.
“It’s nice that people can feel like at least some things are kind of getting back to normal.”
Visit sundre.prl.ab.ca for more information.
