The Chatham-Kent Public Library is excited to begin to offer limited services inside their Wallaceburg, Dresden and Thamesville branches, with additional health and safety measures in place.
Library officials say people’s visit may look a little different but, as always, staff are available to help.
“It’s great to be able to welcome patrons back into the library after our extended closure,” stated Stacey Van Daele Bezanson, Wallaceburg’s branch head, in a media release.
“We’ve even had a patron do a ‘happy dance’ when she visited for the first time.”
The Wallaceburg branch will be offering open hours to allow patrons to pick up holds, browse collections and to book computers:
– Tuesdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
– Fridays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Curbside service will also continue in Wallaceburg so that residents can choose the way they want to access library services.
– Wednesdays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
– Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
– Saturday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The Thamesville Branch has opened its doors and is currently offering open hours to allow patrons to pick up holds, browse collections and to book computers. The Thamesville branch is open Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
“It’s wonderful seeing all the smiling faces after our extended closure,” stated Tam Malic, Dresden/Thamesville Hub’s branch head, in a media release.
“We’re really excited to be able to help patrons get a bag of books together, add new holds or even just answer questions on the phone. Call us.”
Curbside service continues in Dresden and Thamesville, so that residents can choose the way they want to access library services:
– Tuesdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. the Dresden branch offers curbside service
– Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thamesville branch offers curbside service
– Fridays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Dresden branch offers curbside service
– Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thamesville branch offers curbside service
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 (one session of up to 45 minutes per day, must be booked in advance by calling 519-627-5292 in Wallaceburg or 519-354 2940 for Thamesville. 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 the Wallaceburg branch at 519-627-5292 or the Thamesville branch at 519-692-4251, 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.
Chatham-Kent Public Library officials are encouraging 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.
– Please 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 accidently breaking social distancing rules.
– Limit your visit to 30 minutes or less to ensure that other people can access library services.
