Ottawa – As part of its phased approach to resuming physical Library services, Ottawa Public Library will be allowing customers to reserve new Library items, and expand its returns and holds pickup service to more branch locations in the coming weeks.
NEW UPDATES
Monday, June 29: New holds begin
Starting June 29, customers will be able to reserve new Library items, with a limit of 20 holds per customer. This temporary cap will help manage the volume of requests and allow materials to get out to customers in a timely and efficient manner.
Monday, July 6: Curbside Service becomes Contactless Service
Starting July 6, customers will be able to come inside the six currently open branches to pick up their holds and borrow them using the checkout machines.
At this time, appointments will be required for customers who wish to pick up their available holds.
Physical distancing requirements and enhanced cleaning protocols will be followed at each branch offering the service.
Mid-July to mid-August: Contactless Service Expands
The returns and holds pickup contactless service will be expanded to these branches following this anticipated timeline (subject to change).
- Monday, July 13: Carlingwood, Carp, Greely, North Gloucester, St. Laurent, Stittsville.
- Monday, July 27: Alta Vista, Blackburn Hamlet, Centennial, Elmvale Acres, Emerald Plaza
- Monday, August 10: Sunnyside, Hazeldean, Manotick, Orleans, Richmond, Rideau, Vanier
The opening date for the following branches remains to be determined: Constance Bay, Fitzroy Harbour, Metcalfe Village, Munster, North Gower, Osgoode, Rockcliffe Park, Rosemount (Depot), Vernon, Kiosk, Bookmobile
Further details regarding reopening will be shared on the OPL website and social media channels as branches prepare to open for contactless service.
RETURNS
Borrowed Library material can be returned to branches open for contactless service during hours of operation. No appointment is required to return Library items.
Due dates on all checked-out Library items have been extended to give customers plenty of time to return their library materials.
OPL cannot accept book donations at this time.
Ottawa Public Library continues to work on a plan to safely provide the use of public computers and WiFi at its branches open for contactless service. Public computers and WiFi are not currently available for use.
The timeline for other OPL reopening priorities, such as browsing a limited collection or accessing various spaces, remain to be determined pending further easing of restrictions by the provincial government.
The health and safety of employees and customers remains OPL’s priority. OPL’s phased plan to resume physical services incorporates physical distancing requirements, enhanced sanitary controls, and protocols for employees and customers. Ottawa Public 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.
For additional details on the expansion of the returns and holds pickup service, please visit BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca.