Busy library system gears up for the fall
Branches are reopening with anti-virus measures, high online demand
After an unprecedented closure due to COVID-19, branches at the world’s busiest urban library system are unlocking their doors. We asked Toronto Public Library’s reopening team about helping people during a pandemic.
How many branches are open now and when will all be open?
We have 72 branches open, with plans to open additional branches in September and all branches open by the end of the year.
What changes will visitors notice?
Many services are now available, including browsing and borrowing, placing holds, computers and Wi-Fi usage, as well as work, read and study areas. People can also sign up for a library card, print, photocopy, scan and access quick information services. Do people with books from before the lockdown face big overdue fines?
We’re encouraging customers to return items promptly to reduce the wait time for others. However, at this time, if customers are unable to return items by the due date, they will not be charged fines.
How have online services been affected by the pandemic?
We’ve seen heavy use of our digital resources, including OverDrive for ebooks and audiobooks, streaming video services Kanopy (up 120 per cent) and Hoopla (up 40 per cent), and eLearning platforms like Lynda.com (up 37 per cent). What about student resources?
We have a diverse collection of fiction and non-fiction books in our branches and online, plus on-demand video programs on YouTube. Our Kids website has homework help, while Brainfuse has free daily help for students. We will slowly restart, in select branches this fall, our
Leading to Reading program. Teens can get online support through our TPL Teens website. Youth hubs are an important part of the city’s plans to give kids safe spaces. How have they been affected and what’s ahead for them?
Youth Hubs have been closed since March. Open branches with existing Youth Hubs will introduce revised services with new safety protocols on Sept. 8 at 11 locations: Albion, Barbara Frum, Cedarbrae, Centennial, Downsview, Fairview, Malvern,
Maria A. Shchuka , Parliament, Sanderson, and Thorncliffe). Flemingdon Park and York Woods branches will offer Youth Hub service when they reopen, likely in late September or early October). Ten new Youth Hub locations are being introduced later this fall. Has the pandemic affected any future plans for TPL?
TPL: We recently launched a new five-year strategic plan, which we are now putting through the pandemic lens. The services and initiatives that were identified through the strategic planning process are even more critical and needed in the community, especially the vulnerable community, and we plan on moving forward and implementing as many as those as we can in the coming months and years. What do patrons need to know about the library?
We are doing our very best to get our services back up and running. We are working within some restrictions and limitations and ask that patrons be patient and respect everyone while using our spaces. And to wear a mask and use hand sanitizer to protect yourself and others while using the library.
Star: Has the pandemic affected reading habits?
TPL: In the early days there was a surge of interest in howto books about food. Arts and craft books were also big. Months later, people are returning to their pre-pandemic reading interests — mysteries, thrillers, literary fiction, etc., are all doing well.