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Canmore Library now offering curbside pick up service

"Despite the earlier than expected provincial ‘green light’ our library remains closed to the public for now. There is still much for us to get into place before we will be ready for public access, and due to our location, we must also wait until Elevation Place is ready to open."
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A sign at Elevation Place asks patrons who feel sick not to enter the recreaction facility in response to the novel coronavirus on Friday (March 13). EVAN BUHLER RMO PHOTO⁠

CANMORE – Time to return those library books.

With Alberta entering phase two of the economic relaunch strategy last week, which includes the reopening of community halls, movie theatres and libraries – with some restrictions – the Canmore Public Library says it's ready to start accepting overdue books and is now offering curbside pickup.

“Despite the earlier than expected provincial ‘green light,’ our library remains closed to the public for now," Michelle Preston, Canmore Public Library Director said in a statement. 

"There is still much for us to get into place before we will be ready for public access, and due to our location, we must also wait until Elevation Place is ready to open.”

The Town of Canmore has not yet announced when it expects to reopen Elevation Place. With the physical building closed to the public, staff note the pick up services will look different as the world adjusts to the new normal.

So what does that mean for those bookworms missing their library fix?

Canmorites can still place up to five items on hold and will receive an email, text or phone call when it is ready. Once an item is ready, the cardholder will have to go online to schedule a pick up time on Monday between 2-4 p.m., Wednesday 11 a.m.-1 p.m. or Friday from 10 a.m.-noon. Once a time is decided, Canmorites will have to bring their library cards and photo IDs and ensure social distancing when waiting in line. 

“To protect our staff and the public from the risk of transmission, and ensure we can continue critical aspects of library service, we are following the recommended guidelines of the chief medical officer and the Public Libraries Services Branch of Alberta,” Preston said.

Loan periods are set to three weeks and returns will be taken in the external book drop at Elevation Place. Staff encourage anyone who finishes with their items early to return them early, as anything returned will stay on the account for a minimum of an extra 72 hours, as that is the quarantine time. 

Stage two of the economic relaunch strategy kicked off on June 12. The most recent changes mean allowing some businesses including retail, farmers markets, hairstyling, cafés, restaurants and pubs – to name a few ­– to reopen with the new public health guidelines in place, such as practicing physical distancing by keeping two metres apart from people outside your household. 

Since the relaunch, business owners, public and private facility operators and event organizers have new health guidelines to follow that were put in place by the province. Alberta officials strongly recommend those reopening have a relaunch plan with communication, mental health, quarantine and isolation, and infection prevention and control measures, in place.

“Anywhere people are gathered, not distanced or wearing masks, COVID-19 can easily pass from one person to many. In some recent examples, the person who was the source of the infection did not have symptoms at the time,” Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw said at a press conference last week. 

The Canmore Public Library director said along with all the other programs and resources, the summer reading game and programs are also going virtual this year. Anyone seeking a library membership can apply online or call the library from Monday to Friday and speak to a staff member.

“As things change, updates will be posted regularly on our website and social media channels. We look forward to opening our doors once again and thank everyone for their continued patience and understanding as we work to resume and modify our regular services,” Preston said.

Visit canmorelibrary.ab.ca to stay up to date on the changes.

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