The Chatham-Kent Public Library (CKPL) is set to offer limited service inside some library branches with additional health and safety measures in place.
“Your visit may look a little different but, as always, staff are available to help,” CKPL official said in a press release.
Library branches will be reopening in stages across Chatham-Kent, officials added.
“Our goal is to have most branches open for short periods of browsing and holds pick up by the end of September,” CKPL officials say.
The Wallaceburg Branch will be offering open hours Fridays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. starting September 18 and Tuesdays 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. starting September 22.
The Chatham Branch will be offering open hours Wednesdays 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. starting September 16, and Saturdays 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. starting September 19.
The Thamesville Branch will be offering open hours Thursdays 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. starting September 17.
“Other branches will follow,” CKPL officials say.
“Curbside service will also continue so that CK residents can choose the way they want to access library services. Please watch ckpl.ca or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for the latest news.”
Open Hours
The following services will be available during open hours and quick visits of 30 minutes or less are encouraged:
– Picking up holds
– Browsing and borrowing items (where available, please use Express Checkout machines)
– Using computers (1 session of up to 45 minutes per day, must be booked in advance by calling 519.354.2940). Public computers have been reduced to accommodate social distancing and staff are not able to provide technical assistance at this time.
– Photocopying and printing. Exact change is required to pay for printing and photocopying.
– Virtual Library is always available: Visit us at www.ckpl.ca/virtual
Can’t make it in? Call us at 519.354.2940, email cklibrary@chatham-kent.ca or text 519.401.7174
The following services are not available:
– In-person events and programs
– Children’s Early Literacy Stations and Stay & Play activities
– Room rentals
– Proctoring
– Book donations
– Seating areas and study tables
– Washrooms
– Water fountains
– Newspapers, microfilm and microfilm machines
– Interlibrary loans
There is a limit to the number of people allowed in each branch at one time.
CKPL encourages all patrons to:
– Take the COVID-19 self-assessment test. If you have symptoms or may have been exposed to COVID-19, please stay at home and do not visit the library. We will be happy to help you by phone, email or chat!
– Return all items to book returns. Please no inside returns.
– Wear a face mask in accordance with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent by-law.
– Sanitize hands before entering the library, after handling materials or equipment, and before leaving the library. Hand sanitizing stations are located throughout the library.
– Keep two metres apart from staff and other visitors at all times.
– Keep your distance when browsing shelves. One person at a time between or at shelves.
– Please be mindful of what you touch as you look for items on the shelves. Place touched items in designated areas for quarantining if you do not check them out.
– Keep your children close to prevent accidentally breaking social distancing rules.
– Limit your visit to 30 minutes or less to ensure that other people can access library services.
