Vaughan Public Libraries to reopen on Sep. 8

'The sacrifices made by the residents of Vaughan have paid off'

Yorkregion.com
August 31, 2020

Vaughan Public Libraries (VPL) will reopen their three resource libraries to the public on Sep. 8.

The Bathurst Clark Resource Library, Civic Centre Resource Library and Pierre Berton Resource Library will resume their regular hours of operation with amended services and safety procedures in place.

“Our staff have missed our customers, and I know that they are looking forward to rekindling relationships and seeing familiar faces," said Margie Singleton, CEO of Vaughan Public Libraries. “Most of us entered this profession due to our commitment to public service. Although we have continued to do that digitally and via phone throughout the pandemic, the prospect of again experiencing personal contact with our customers is eagerly anticipated by the whole VPL team.”

Vaughan Public Library board chair Rose Savage said, “The sacrifices made by the residents of Vaughan have paid off, and we can once again invite customers to our three biggest branches.”

Vaughan Public Libraries launched digital programming to keep the public entertained and informed during the COVID-19 pandemic, expanding their digital resources to improve the ability to borrow safely from home and eliminating late fees and waiving fines to break down barriers to accessibility.

In addition to this, over 50,000 items have been borrowed through the first curbside pickup program to begin accepting requests in the province. Staff have worked tirelessly to pivot first to a purely digital library model and now to a hybrid system as pandemic restrictions ease.