The Estevan Public Library (EPL) opened its doors to the public on Oct. 1 after a long, but productive break.
The library closed at the beginning of the pandemic. Later, when the provincial policies were eased and Saskatchewan libraries could open, the EPL was in process of major renovations.
Now that the construction works are completed and the library has a new modern look, the staff is happy to invite patrons back.
Branch manager Jason Redshaw said that they reorganized the library set-up and routine to accommodate COVID-19 related safety measures and also to make it comfortable for people.
Patrons will need to keep the two metres distance while they check out items and throughout the library. There will be arrows down the main hallway. People can browse the library collection, take out items, but they are asked to put whatever books they are not taking home into special bins. Since books can't be sanitized they will be quarantined for 72 hours.
"Everything will work as usual except for just a couple of things," said Redshaw. "When you do return the items, they don't get checked in immediately. They'll get checked in 72 hours later."
The public will have the access to the entire library collection, but some of the children's toys that used to be set out in the play area won't be available at this time. Patrons will be able to use computers that will be spread apart more and sanitized after each use, and to access the Internet.
The library is also gradually returning to their programming. Some of their programs are running virtually, while others are planned to be offered in person. Roblox club and a book club are already underway. The program guide will be available at the library and on their Facebook page.
Masks are voluntarily at the EPL and Redshaw doesn't foresee it changing unless it will be implemented all across the province. The staff will be wearing gloves whenever they are handling books and sanitizing all high-touch areas across the library. There is a maximum of 30 people that can be in the library at a time.
"If we do go above that, some people might have to wait for others to exit," said Redshaw.
Redshaw added that a few people stopped by before the opening to have a look at the renewed library and they really liked the new colour scheme. While the renovations took some time, they didn't go too long and the results were well worth it. And now the staff is excited to have their patrons back.
"I'm looking forward to meeting the public," said Redshaw. "And we are going to try to do this as normal of a library experience as possible."
The library's hours of operation are going to be the same as what they used to be before the pandemic. They will be open Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday-Saturday 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sundays 1-5 p.m.
