Library Services UPDATE | May 14, 2020
In a public announcement today, Premier Doug Ford shared the government’s recovery plan, Framework for Reopening our Province. The plan eases the current restriction that prohibits libraries from providing onsite services, and identifies the possibility of “opening libraries for pickup or deliveries” during Stage 1 as Ontario "gradually reopens."
Stage 1 of the Province's recovery plan starts on May 19, with their State of Emergency in effect until June 2.
What does this mean in Burlington?
Burlington Public Library does not have a firm reopening date at this time. The Library’s pandemic plan is aligned to the City of Burlington’s pandemic plan. When and how City-supported services, such as the Library, will reopen for onsite service is currently under review, and will be informed by the timeline set by the City.
At this time, the City of Burlington is under a declared State of Emergency until June 30.
The Library will be careful and measured in our approach to gradually reopen branch locations. Right now, the Library's Emergency Management Team is investigating all possible service options that we can safely manage. Library service will be based on best practices and science, and responsive to community needs and ongoing public health direction.
Will the library provide curbside holds pick-up?
Curbside pick-up is not the direction BPL will take for items on hold. After carefully investigating and reviewing all aspects of holds pick-up and materials drop off, we believe that in-branch holds pick-up is the safest, healthiest, and most manageable approach to take.
With this decided, we are starting to plan all the logistics to support the implementation of in-branch holds pick-up at select locations. Details of our service redesign will be shared once we have determined how we will gather all outstanding items, quarantine items in accordance with best known health practices, clean our facilities, and prepare for re-opening at a date yet to be determined. The health and safety of our staff and our community is at the forefront of all decision-making.
When will holds pick-up start up?
There is no confirmed date for holds pick-up at this time. The restrictions defined by Burlington’s State of Emergency will inform the Library’s implementation timeline.
Before we open the doors for holds pick-up, we will start to prepare our spaces for safe public access. This includes, for example: thoroughly cleaned facilities, directional signage installed, interior layouts promote appropriate physical distancing for customers and staff, and cleaning and quarantine practices are in place.
Stay safe, stay home, be well.
Like so many of you, we are eager to get back into our branches and loaning out physical items—and we will get there, eventually. Right now we need to continue to practice good judgement and patience. While the threat of an outbreak persists, we echo Mayor Meed Ward's entreaty to all Burlington residents to heed the State of Emergency and advice of healthcare experts to help keep everyone in our community healthy.
Library CLOSURE EXTENSION | Closed until end of June 2020
In step with the City of Burlington’s three-month plan to lead our community through the COVID-19 pandemic, the Library will remain closed until the end of June 2020. All programs and room rentals are cancelled and facilities will stay closed.
Although our physical branches are closed, Burlington Public Library is always open online. Anyone who lives, works, or goes to school in Burlington may apply online for a free library card. There are myriad digital resources available to borrow through our website for both recreation and education.
During the closure, the Library will continue to communicate important library service updates through the website and social media.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back into the library when we re-open after June 30, 2020. Stay safe and be well.
What does this mean for you?
Extended due date - All physical items currently out on loan to you, including those borrowed through Interlibrary Loan, are due back to the library after Labour Day, and will have their due date automatically adjusted if required. Please DO NOT return items before the library reopens.
Fine Free – No items currently on loan will accumulate fines. Overdue fines will start accumulating on September 8.
Extended Holds Pick-up – All physical items ready for pick up during the closed period will be held for you until the library reopens. No holds notifications will be sent out during this period.
No Programs – Tentatively, programs will recommence within three weeks of reopening.
No Room Rentals – All room rentals are cancelled. Rental refunds will be issued for rooms booked for the closed period. Tentatively, room rentals will recommence within three weeks of reopening.
No Visiting Library Services – This delivery service to library customers who are homebound or living in a residential facility is suspended until our community is clear of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Thank you for your continued patience and understanding as we work through library services decisions during this unprecedented time in our community. The pandemic situation, nationally and locally, changes daily, and we are doing our part in the community effort to help keep Burlington residents safe and healthy. We're glad that we can continue to serve you online throughout this closure—and we look forward to seeing you again soon!
Related links
COVID-19: Get the Information You Need
City of Burlington’s COVID-19 Three-Month Horizon Outlook
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