Despite Phase 2 of the provincial relaunch now in full swing, the Okotoks Public Library has decided to hold off on reopening.

The library has chosen to wait until they have their new protocols in place as well as adequate PPE for staff.

Lara Grunow, Director of Library Services, says the library will take on more of a quick stop set-up.

"There will be no public computer access, we have gotten rid of all of our tables and seating so that you're not going to be able to come to the library and sit down and read books or work on your laptop for hours on end. All the toys have been taken out of the kids area, our meeting rooms are not available so we're not going to be renting any meeting room spaces, plus we're not going to be doing any exam proctoring at this time."

Directional signage will be on the floor and patrons are also asked to avoid unnecessarily touching items.

While not mandatory, those who will be heading into the library are encouraged to wear a face mask.

Grunow says once they reopen the building they'll continue to offer a few other services.

"Our book drop has been open since we've closed and it continues to be open 24/7, those items we are quaranting for 72 hours. We've been running our curbside pick-up since the middle of April and we've already served over 1,000 patrons doing that and that service will continue. Once we get more staff in the building we'll be broadening that out so that we can offer that five days a week."

The library is currently set to reopen July 20.

 

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