OTTAWA – Ottawa Public Library has scaled back physical library services to holds pickup and returns at branch entrances ̶ “curbside” ̶ to keep OPL customers and employees safe, further to the provincial emergency and stay-at-home order which took effect today.
Throughout the city, 31 Library branches remain open to offer curbside returns and holds pick up. Customers will no longer be permitted to enter the buildings.
Hours of operation remain the same. Cardholders will be able to return Library items and pick up holds without an appointment by lining up at the branch entrance where employees will be available to help.
Cardholders can return Library items only when branches are open. Bookmobile and Homebound Services will continue though customers will not be able to enter the vehicle. The OPL website is available 24/7 for virtual browsing of our catalogue, varied digital resources and a wide range of virtual programs.
The Library continues to follow direction from the Province of Ontario and guidance from Ottawa Public Health to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our community, and as such, mask-wearing outside in line remains mandatory.
We recommend to all our cardholders to visit BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca for more detailed information including hours of operation at their local branch, to place holds for library items and explore OPL’s virtual offerings.