ST. PAUL - The St. Paul Municipal Library will reopen to the public next Tuesday, following an announcement earlier this week stating libraries can reopen across the province, with strict measures in place.
"Starting next Tuesday, the library will be open to public from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., on Tuesday to Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays," confirmed library manager Eunhye Cho. "There will be three computers available for public use, and patrons will be able to photocopy, laminate, and fax at library again."
Exam invigilation services will also resume at the library with the reopening.
"Our programs will continue to be held online to be in compliance with restrictions," said Cho. And the library will also continue to prepare take-home kits for families and offer curbside services to those who prefer to borrow books and materials that way.
There will be a restriction on the number of people who can be in the library at one time, but that number had not been confirmed yet, said Cho on March 2. "We will announce the number closer to the opening date."
According to the provincial announcement on March 1, libraries are now allowed to reopen, but must limit capacity to 15 per cent of fire code occupancy, not including staff.
Face coverings will be required when visiting the library. Patrons are also asked to keep six feet apart, and hand sanitizer stations will be available. Another step to protect patrons borrowing from the library is that books are quarantined for seven days upon being returned.
According to St. Paul Education superintendent Glen Brodziak, no decision has been made regarding the public libraries that operate out of Ashmont School and Mallaig School, as of March 3.
