LONG OVERDUE
Jeff Barber, library director and CEO of the Regina Public Library, was in the Connaught branch on Thursday as the system moves to a full reopening by Monday. Social distancing and other safety rules will be in effect at all branches.
Half of the Regina Public Library’s (RPL) branches are now welcoming people to browse their shelves, with the remaining half opening their doors Monday.
Glen Elm, Regent Place, Albert, Connaught, and Prince of Wales branches opened to the public on Thursday. The Central Library, George Bothwell, Sherwood Village and Sunrise branches will reopen on July 13.
Visitors can expect to see what has now become a familiar sight: Directional arrows on the floor, physical distancing reminders and capacity limits to make sure there aren’t too many people in the space.
A lot of seating has been removed from the locations to allow for better physical distancing and to discourage people from spending time in the library unnecessarily.
“(We’re) minimizing some of those things that ultimately mean that people gather for a long time at the library, and keeping people flowing through as much as possible,” said Jeff Barber, the RPL’S library director and CEO.
Computer workstations will be open to the public, but will be distanced from one other. Access to the Dunlop Art Gallery, the Digital Media Studio and musical instrument lending services will also resume.
Although branches are open once again, curbside pickup isn’t going away. Currently, curbside pickup is only available at the four larger library locations, but come Monday, the contactless option will be offered at every branch.
“People will be able to come up to a branch and phone a number and we’ll run things out to them,” said Barber.
Fines will also continue to be suspended until at least September. Checked out items still have due dates that the library encourages people to follow, but fines will not be charged for late materials.
Nearly all of the staff who had been laid off were rehired on Monday to prepare for the branches reopening, he said. A few positions that do not work directly with the public remain laid off, but he expects they will return in the future.