Curbside pickup won't be offered at Newmarket library before June

While the province is permitting the service as of today, health and safety measures must be put in place first, Newmarket Public Library CEO says

Newmarkettoday.ca
May 20, 2020
Kim Champion

Beginning today, local libraries can reopen to offer users curbside pickup of books and other items it has in-house, but this service won’t be available at the Newmarket Public Library until at least June.

The move, announced May 14 by the Ontario government, is part of a phased reopening of the economy to halt the spread of COVID-19 and ensure local health-care systems are not overwhelmed.

“We are not yet prepared for this,” Newmarket Public Library CEO Todd Kyle said.

In an online statement, Kyle said while the announcement is good news and a first step toward the eventual reopening of the Park Avenue library that has been shuttered since March, it came as a surprise.

“As you can imagine, there are a number of procedures that need to be in place to maintain social distancing for library staff and anyone coming to the library,” he said. “Adequate supplies of personal protective equipment are also necessary and part of government’s health and safety requirements.”

Newmarket library staff are working now to get ready to introduce curbside pickup, which is expected to roll out at the beginning of June.

Ensuring the safety of staff and library users is paramount, Kyle said.

“Rest assured that when we do have curbside service ready, it will be done in a way that adheres to the best practices required to ensure that we all stay safe and healthy,” he said.

Meanwhile, beginning May 20 in neighbouring Vaughan, library users can order items online and arrange to pick them up curbside at any of its three branches. Aurora Public Library has not yet announced its curbside pickup policy.

The Toronto Public Library announced in a tweet Friday that “in the coming weeks” patrons will be able to pick up books curbside and return materials in drop boxes.

As part of Ontario’s emergency response to the global pandemic, libraries remain closed to the public until at least June 2.

The COVID-19 pandemic also forced the layoff of 21 part-time staff at the Newmarket Public Library effective April 27.

Newmarket Mayor John Taylor said in a May 15 statement that opening services and facilities must be done in a manner that is safe for residents and staff.

“which is why each (provincial) announcement will not be implemented instantly; we need to take the time to consider the right way forward for Newmarket and we hope our community will appreciate the challenges ahead and support us as we work together to rebuild,” said Taylor.

For more information on library services during the coronavirus crisis, email npl@newmarketpl.ca, call or text 905-769-0433.