Welcome back! Richmond Hill Public Library resumes select in-person services starting Aug. 4

The branches at Richvale, Richmond Green and Oak Ridges are expected to reopen on Aug. 18.

Yorkregon.com
August 5, 2020

A Richmond Hill Public Library staff member helps two customers check out their holds at the central branch. RHPL resumes select in-person services starting Aug. 4 - Richmond Hill Public Library

Richmond Hill Public Library (RHPL) has started to welcome customers back inside as the city enters Stage 3 of Ontario’s reopening plan.

The central branch opened its doors to the public on Aug. 4 for the first time since being closed for more than four months due to COVID-19.

It has resumed limited in-person services such as picking up holds, access to computer and printer services as well as the payment of fines, according to a July 29 media release.

The branches at Richvale, Richmond Green and Oak Ridges are expected to reopen on Aug. 18.

It was the latest effort made by the local library to continue to offer services to community residents amid the pandemic, making RHPL one of the first libraries in York Region to resume in-person services, according to spokesperson Annesha Hutchinson.

“Through the launch of our curbside pickup program, we’ve been able to innovate new ways to safely provide services to our community. And now we’re excited to leverage our learnings to expand our services within provincial guidelines,” said Darren Solomon, the library’s new chief executive officer.

Solomon assumed the new role on July 6 seven months after his predecessor Louise Procter Maio retired from the position.

The library launched the curbside pickup initiative earlier in June to allow customers to pick up their holds at the library in a touchless, physically distanced fashion.

With the reopening of the branches, the library requires all staff and customers to wear masks upon entering the library.

Meanwhile, high-touch areas, including children’s play areas and gathering places like study desks and meeting rooms, will remain closed, the press release said.

Customers won't be able to browse the collection of books, DVDs and CDs at this time and will be encouraged to leave the library once they receive the service they need.

Library staff will monitor the capacity of each location to ensure community members have the space they need to navigate each library in a safe manner.

Please visit www.rhpl.ca/reopeing for more information.