Library’s ‘human connection’ primed to heal divisions: CEO

The expected reopening of the Calgary Public Library system later this month comes at a critical time, says CEO Mark Asberg, amid anti-racism protests, the COVID -19 pandemic and its economic fallout.

Asberg says the library — the “heart of our community” — is a necessary resource for people looking to better understand the world they’re living in.

“The library is a place of learning, a place of civil dialogue, civic dialogue,” he said. “It’s a place of human connection. I can’t think of a time when that’s been more important.

“Libraries are built to bridge divides. There are so many divides that are being laid bare right now in our community. A digital divide, a social divide, economic divide, systemic barriers to access and participation in the community and in the economy.”

If all goes to plan, the library system could be opening to the public on June 19, when the second stage of Alberta’s economic relaunch plan is set to begin.

However, Alberta’s chief medical officer of health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw, said it could be earlier because of the province’s declining COVID-19 case numbers. The decision will be made early next week.

Libraries, K-12 schools, movie theatres, nail salons and other businesses would all be allowed to reopen, with restrictions. Additionally, more surgeries will be scheduled and larger gatherings could be permitted in certain situations across the province.

Asberg said being able to invite people back to the Central Library is “heartening,” but it doesn’t come without challenges.

“We need to rethink all of our services and programs and how you access our space. All of that needs to be rethought in the context of COVID-19.”

Libraries welcome large numbers of people and have many hightouch spaces, such as bookcases, hand railings and doors. In turn, sanitization practices have been strengthened and physical-distancing measures, crowd control and education about hygiene will be in place.

Every book returned to the library will be isolated for three days to ensure the virus doesn’t remain on its surface and potentially infect the next reader. Asberg said that’s the best practice currently, based on the advice of public health authorities, Alberta Health Services and the Calgary Emergency Management Agency.

“We want to make sure it’s the safest possible environment for everybody, but that is a collective responsibility,” he said, adding that people will have to do their part to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The library system will undergo a gradual reopening of some locations and in-person services. Virtual group programs will continue. Also included as part of its relaunch is a curbside holds service, for contactless book pickups.

Under Stage 2 of the economic relaunch, larger-capacity settings — such as festivals, concerts, sporting events, nightclubs, recreation centres and gyms — are set to remain closed to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Albertans are still under guidance not to travel outside of the province.