Coaldale Public Library welcomes visitors back inside

By Stan Ashbee on April 1, 2021.

Vistors arrive at the Coaldale Public Library in this photo from 2019. Herald file photo

By Stan Ashbee – Southern Alberta Newspapers

Like many libraries across Alberta, the Coaldale Public Library was excited to welcome back its patrons into the building. “We are also happy to announce we will be resuming our regular opening hours,” said Dothlyn McFarlane, head librarian prior to when libraries were allowed to re-open. Regular open hours will be Monday to Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. And Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. “We would also like to remind persons visiting the library masks are required for in-person service. Face shields will be available for patrons visiting, if a face mask is not medically possible. Patrons with a face shield should limit their visit to a maximum of 15 minutes. Reasonable accommodations such as curbside services and online resources are available to those who are medically prevented from or decline to wear a face covering,” McFarlane noted.
It was stated in a recent media release, the Coaldale Public Library will provide safe facilities and co-operate with any government pronouncements – while maintaining library services to the greatest extent possible. Adhering to the current government COVID-19 guidelines in place, the library re-opened March 15 with restrictions.
“It will be a phased approach, allowing for ongoing evaluation and modifications, as needed. The number one priority will always be to protect the health and safety of employees and patrons,” it was also stated in the media release.
The following will now be in place to assist in this endeavour, along with the wearing of masks or other PPE: * Please maintain two metres physical distancing.
* The maximum occupancy of the library allowed at this time is 40 people.
* Monday to Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. will be dedicated to the vulnerable populations. This will include patrons 65 years and older, as well as those with physical disabilities and compromised immune systems.
In-person programs are suspended until further notice. Online programs will be offered using social media platforms. Certain services will also be unavailable until further notice, including local press newspapers, in-house toys, Toy Library, the McCain Gallery and room rental. Curbside Pick-up: The library will continue curbside pick-up to limit the number of people in the building. Place your holds online or e-mail your list to help@coaldalelibrary.ca. Instruction: Call the library at 403-345-1340 or e-mail help@coaldalelibrary.ca to schedule a pick-up time. Please remain in your vehicle or stand away from the entrance, while staff bring holds and place them on the pick-up shelf. Please practice physical distancing, while retrieving holds. Please do not place any personal bags or other belongings on the shelf. Online holds are available on Chinook Arch materials.
“We recommend using our hold service for quick pick-ups. Returned materials will be quarantined for three days. Due to quarantine delays, items you have returned may not be removed from your account for up to four days. Please be aware even if you receive notice of overdue fines occurring on your account, they will be removed when the item has finished quarantine and is checked-in by library staff. If an item you have returned remains on your account for longer than 10 days, please contact the library,” it was noted in the media release. Please note: There will be limited access, by appointment, for computers, printing, scan and fax – one hour max. Employees will increase the sanitation and cleaning of hard surfaces and frequently-used areas, while practising physical distancing.

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