Library users can enjoy a return to in-person borrowing as New Westminster Public Library announces a planned reopening of its Uptown Main Branch, Tuesday, August 4.

“After several months of closure we are looking forward to welcoming our community back to their library” says Julie Spurrell, Chief Librarian. “Our Board, Staff and City partners have all worked extremely hard to ensure our community has access to Library services while doing everything we can to make it safe for them to do so.”

The Main Branch will re-open seven days a week, with slightly modified hours. The first hour of Monday to Saturday will be reserved for seniors, the vulnerable and first responders.

On entry, customers can expect some changes to the library’s interior reflective of the City’s continuing commitment to safeguard the health of staff and the community against transmission of COVID-19. As well as safety, priority has been given for access to collections, information assistance, and for those with little or no access to computers and the internet, access to computer stations.

Plexiglass barriers have been installed throughout various service points, public Internet stations have been spread out, and some furniture has either been removed or re-arranged to ensure safe passage throughout the various service areas.  There will be limits on how many customers can enter the building at one time and everyone will be encouraged to maintain physical distancing and keep their visits as short as possible. Though not required, and in the interest of safety all visitors to the library will be encouraged to wear face masks.

The library has also worked on the development of an interior signage plan that will not only remind the community about the ways they can use the library safely, but also provide guidance to entrances, exits, stairwells, washroom and elevators.

The reopening of the Queensborough Branch will follow this Fall along with the opening of the Queensborough Community Centre.

Further details about the library’s future hours, available services, and what to expect on arrival will be available on the library’s website at www.nwpl.ca beginning July 17.