NWPL Launches Library Takeout Service!
Wednesday, May 13, 2020
The New Westminster Public Library is thrilled to announce the launch of its ‘Library Takeout’ service. Orders will begin being processed Wednesday, May 13th, with first pick-ups scheduled for Wednesday, May 20th. As has been the case with a number of restaurants, library users will be able to submit an order for any combination of up to 10 books, DVD’s and CD’s, and arrange for a pre-scheduled, touchless pick-up at the library’s Main Branch.
“We’ve all missed the chance to access a number of services, but there is nothing like access to new reading, listening and viewing material from the library” says Naomi Perks, Chair of the New Westminster Library Board. Now that Dr. Henry is guiding the province into Phase 2 of BC’s response to COVID-19, the library is ready to do its part to gradually introduce services as we continue to manage restrictions imposed by the pandemic.
‘We’re going to do this responsibly, first allowing customers to place orders for items already available and pick them up. We want to make sure our procedures are safe, for staff and the community” adds Perks. After the first couple of weeks, the library will then move to open its bookdrop so that materials can be returned, quarantined and then recirculated in as safe a manner as possible. Information and details about the service are available on the library’s website at www.nwpl.ca/takeout.
Since its closure most library staff have been redeployed to a number of the Emergency Pandemic Task Forces set up throughout the City of New Westminster. The Pandemic is still very much here and recalling staff for any new service is contingent on the City being able to ensure it is able to staff the Task Forces properly.
Library staff have also been working to initiate the transition of some programs online with an online book club, storytimes, and the upcoming Summer Reading program set to begin in June. “We are all on a learning curve, and the staff have quickly made the pivot to online platforms as a means of connecting with and providing library services to staff” notes Perks.
New Westminster Public Library will join other Lower Mainland libraries that have also recently announced a takeout service, including the Coquitlam and the North Shore libraries.
For more information about NWPL library Takeout or the New Westminster Public Library please contact Susan Buss at sbuss@nwpl.ca.
