The Greater Sudbury Public Library is continuing its phased reopening plan with three additional locations beginning Monday, Sept. 21.
Capreol, Dowling and Garson Public Libraries/Citizen Service Centres will open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and from 2:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
These locations join six branches that reopened on Aug. 17: Chelmsford, Lively, Main, New Sudbury, South End and Valley East. Hours are from 9 a.m. to noon on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Remaining branches in Azilda, Copper Cliff, Coniston and Levack/Onaping will reopen over the coming weeks, as staff return from reassignment to other areas of the municipality in response to COVID-19.
“I extend sincere thanks to the Greater Sudbury Public Library board and staff for their ongoing efforts to gradually reopen all 13 branches in our community,” said Greater Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger, in a press release.
“I would like to thank library staff in particular for their extraordinary flexibility and willingness to help our most critical services navigate the first few months of the pandemic. We welcome everyone back, staff and residents alike, as we continue a safe and gradual return to regular services.”
Library materials from Capreol, Dowling and Garson libraries will no longer be available for curbside pickup. Patrons can place a hold on books, magazines, DVDs and other library materials for pick up during opening hours at these locations by visiting www.sudburylibraries.ca or by calling their nearest branch.
Curbside pickup will remain available at Chelmsford, Lively, Main, New Sudbury, South End and Valley East libraries between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., Monday to Friday. Libraries will close to interior access by the public at these times.
“We are pleased to reopen our libraries to the residents of Capreol, Dowling and Garson,” said Greater Sudbury Public Library Board Chair Michael Bellmore, in a press release.
“I know our staff has missed their regular patrons and look forward to welcoming them back. We are working as quickly as staffing levels permit to reopen locations across the community. We thank patrons for respecting new health and safety protocols so that we can continue to deliver services indoors.”
In accordance with instructions by Public Health Sudbury & Districts, residents are required to wear a face covering or non-medical mask when visiting any indoor city facility. Branches have an occupancy limit unique to each location. Patrons are asked to complete their visit in a timely manner to open access to others.
As part of new protocols, exterior drop boxes should be used for returns rather than returning materials to the front desk of the library. Returned materials will undergo an extended seven-day quarantine period in keeping with evolving best practices of the library community. Late fees remain waived until further notice.
Information about health and safety protocols, available services and online reservations are available at www.sudburylibraries.ca/covid-19-update
For COVID-19 updates and information related to city services, visit www.greatersudbury.ca/covid or find the library on Facebook and Twitter.
For the most up-to-date local information on COVID-19, visit the Public Health Sudbury & Districts website at www.phsd.ca/coronavirus.
