BOOK SMARTS: What you need to know as Georgina Public Library reopens

New COVID-19 safety protocols, limited computer time, quarantined books part of Georgina Public Library reopening plans

Yorkregion.com
Sept. 21, 2020

The Georgina Public Library is reopening. Here's what you need to know.

WHEN IS THE GEORGINA PUBLIC LIBRARY REOPENING?

Tentatively, on Sept. 22.

WHAT ARE THE NEW HOURS AT THE GEORGINA PUBLIC LIBRARY?
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• Tuesday, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Wednesday, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Thursday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Alternate Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

WHAT COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS ARE IN PLACE AT THE LIBRARY?
Masks are required while in the public library, and there is limited seating available.

There will be no toys out for playing.

Residents are encouraged to keep their physical distance, keep the visit short and have one person per family enter the library.

Computers are sanitized after each use and washrooms and high-touch areas are sanitized at least twice daily.

Returned items are isolated until safe to recirculate.

As the library is operating under limited capacity, there may be a lineup to enter.

WHAT IF I DON’T FEEL COMFORTABLE GOING INTO THE LIBRARY BRANCH?
Don’t worry, curbside pickup services are still available.

Curbside pickup is available at:

• Keswick branch: Tuesdays, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Fridays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; alternating Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Pefferlaw branch: Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; alternating Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The library has also set up a designated contact-free area at the entrance to pick up holds.

WHAT CAN I DO WHILE IN THE LIBRARY?
Normal library things, such as picking up holds, searching the catalogue, checking out items, paying fines, getting a library card, asking questions and getting reading recommendations.

Computers will also be available for 45-minute time slots, once per person per day.

WHAT CAN’T I DO AT THE LIBRARY?
The library is open for limited hours; that means planning your visit and keeping it short. Library patrons can no longer hang out or gather, donate books, charge mobile devices, use the meeting rooms, get an interlibrary loan, have an exam proctored, buy used books or DVDs, or read newspapers or magazines.

Town services such as purchasing bag tags, blue bins and compost bins, or applying for a parking pass, burn or garage sale permit, will not be available at the library.

WHERE CAN I RETURN LIBRARY BOOKS?
All returned items are to be placed in the return drop boxes outside. Returned materials are quarantined for 96 hours prior to being put back on the library shelf and checked out to other residents.

CAN I CHECK OUT ITEMS?
Yes.

Self-checkout machines are available and extended loan periods are still in effect. There is also the option to express items for a week.

HOW CAN I SEARCH THE LIBRARY CATALOGUE OR PLACE A HOLD ON A BOOK?
Check out the Georgina Public Library app for Apple and Android devices.

The new library app allows you to manage your account, store multiple library card numbers, search the catalogue, place holds, renew items and download ebooks or eAudiobooks.

WHAT IS HAPPENING AT THE PETER GZOWSKI BRANCH?
The Peter Gzowski branch is closed until the end of September for carpet replacement. The book return is closed, and there will be no curbside pickup at the Peter Gzowski branch.

LOOKING FOR MORE INFORMATION?
Visit georginalibrary.ca.