Georgina public library launches 'personal shopper' service amid COVID-19

Patrons can pickup Grab and Go bags filled with books curated by library staff based on a theme, surprise me option featuring some of the hottest titles also available

Yorkregion.com
March 29, 2021
Amanda Persico

As the Georgina Public Library remains closed to the public during the pandemic, the library is offering a new service -- Grab and Go bags.

The Grab and Go bags are bundles of books hand-picked and curated by library staff based on a theme. A Surprise Me option is also available with some of the hottest titles on the library’s shelves.

Adult bags come with five items and children’s bags come with five to 10 items.

“We’re trying to get more books into the hands of our patrons,” said library collections manager Amy Knifton.

“We know people miss browsing our shelves and all of our staff miss seeing our patrons and helping them find new books to read,” she added. “As patrons cannot come inside to see what we have to offer, we are offering our services as your personal shoppers to find your next reads. Let us be your eyes.”

Patrons can ask for fiction or non-fiction bags and library staff will find an interesting selection of reads.

Requests for Grab and Go bags can be made by calling any branch or by ordering online.

The library is also running a fine-free pilot project for 2021, where patrons will be charged for lost or damage fees instead of incurring overdue fines.

As the Georgina Ice Palace is operating as a regional vaccine centre, curbside pickup at the Keswick branch will be at the southeast side of building near the Rogers Media entrance.

Curbside service is still available during reduced library hours and no appointment is required.

Curbside pickup hours at all three library branches:

• Tuesday: 5 to 8 p.m.

• Wednesday: 2 to 5 p.m.

• Thursday: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Alternate Saturdays (April 3): 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Keswick and Pefferlaw public library branches.

• Alternate Saturdays (April 10): 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Peter Gzowski branch in Sutton.
• For more information, visit georginalibrary.ca or call the Keswick branch 905-476-5762, Pefferlaw branch 705-437-1514, or Peter Gzowski branch 905-722-5702.