COVID-19 (Coronavirus) & LIBRARY SERVICES

March 19, 2020: 12:00pm …

New Westminster Public Library – all book drops closing effective Friday, March 20, 2020, 5:00pm. 

In an effort to support social distancing we are asking that all customers hold on to any checked out materials until further notice. Keep them at home and enjoy them a little longer. A reminder that we will be waiving finds, extending holds, and extending due dates. We will announce when returns can resume at a later date.

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March 16, 2020: 5:00pm …

New Westminster Public Library – Temporary Closure Notice

After consultation with the City of New Westminster and in response to the most recent direction from our Health Authorities, we have made the decision to close both New Westminster Library branches to the public beginning 9 pm, Monday, March 16.

We made this decision in collaboration with other municipal partners and in support of measures aimed at containing further spread of COVID-19.

We know the library is a critical resource for all ages, so to support our customers during this temporary closure, effective today we are taking the following steps:

 Late Fees and Holds:

  • All late fees will be suspended and due dates for all physical material extended to six weeks. Electronic materials already have no late fees, due dates for materials are automatic.
  • All charges for holds not picked up will be removed. If you have a hold request that has not yet arrived, login to your account or email us at AskUs@nwpl.ca to suspend your hold or make other arrangements.

Library Services and Programs:

  • All library programs and events are suspended or postponed. As we work to reschedule we will update our website events calendar
  • All Home Library Services and Outreach Services are suspended.
  • We will be unable to process any room booking requests at this time.

While we are closed:

  • We will be able to assist you by email at AskUs@nwpl.ca, Monday – Friday,  9:30am – 5pm.
  • Please DO NOT return materials at this time. Materials can be returned once we re-open. All fines are waived and holds will be extended until we reopen.
  • Customers can access New Westminster Library’s many online resources from home including eBooks and eAudio, streaming video, online learning, digital newspapers and magazines, and more.

Any further updates will be posted on the library  website as well as through Facebook , Twitter  and Instagram.

We appreciate the community’s understanding and patience during this difficult time as we work together to  help slow the spread of COVID-19.

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March 13, 2020  5 pm . . . 

At this time, the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation continues to evolve. The City of New Westminster and the Library are monitoring the situation closely and following guidelines from the BC Centre for Disease Control, the Fraser Health Authority and Emergency Management BC.

WHAT WE ARE DOING:

The health and safety of our staff, customers and community is our number one priority. Here are some of the immediate steps we’re taking:

  • Enhanced Cleaning 

    NWPL has implemented enhanced daily cleaning and disinfection of high-touch surfaces at our facilities. What does this mean? We’re doing what we can to sanitize high touch surfaces (including elevator buttons, keyboards, self-checkout machines, door handles, phones, etc.) as often as possible. Some items in our children’s department that cannot be easily disinfected may be removed.

    During this time, aromas from sanitizers and disinfectants may be more prevalent in our facilities.

  • Events and Programs 

    We have been advised that at this time library events and programs can proceed as planned. Any updates will be posted to our website events calendar.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

Everyone can help reduce the spread of flus, colds or other viruses by observing the following:

  • Washing your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds as often as possible. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Cover mouth and nose with a tissue you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
  • Stay home if you’re sick.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently-touched surfaces daily.
  • If you think you may have symptoms of coronavirus, call 8-1-1 for an assessment.
Stay Informed 

For up-to-date, accurate information regarding coronavirus, the library recommends the following resources:

ACCESSING THE LIBRARY FROM HOME:

The Library has many online, digital services available to you, such as downloadable e-books, online e-magazines, and e-audiobooks, all of which are free to access with your NWPL library card.

  • Access Your Account Online

    Using your library barcode and PIN, log in on our catalogue, then visit “My Library Dashboard” to renew your materials online, place holds from home, check for due dates, new titles and more.

  • Read a Book or Magazine Online

    Add an app from one of our digital services and start reading on a tablet, eReader or smartphone. You can download Libby, PressReader or the RB Digital App. If you need help, we are here to help. Contact us!

  • Get Help Online

    We can help you navigate NWPL from home. Librarians can take your questions via email.

If you have any other questions or concerns, please contact us in person at either of our branches, by email at AskUs@nwpl.ca.