Our Main Branch reopens August 4th!
We’ve missed you and look forward to welcoming you back to the library!
As part of the City of New Westminster’s Recovery Plan library services will reopen at the Uptown Main Branch Tuesday, August 4th, with services offered seven days a week.
In preparation for this initial stage of reopening we have worked with our public health partners to develop the Library’s WorkSafe BC COVID-19 Safety Plan. We’ve also consulted heavily on best practices, with a commitment to adjust our procedures through time as we learn how best to adapt to our ‘new normal’. Please also refer to the City of New Westminster COVID-19 Safety plan for further details about how the City is guiding our efforts to reopen safely.
This page contains basic information about hours of operation, what services will be available, with further details to be added as we get closer to August 4th.
Hours of Operation (Effective August 4th)*
| Monday 11am – 5pm | Tuesday 11am – 8pm | Wednesday 11am – 8pm | Thursday 11am – 8pm | Friday 11am – 5pm | Saturday 11am – 5pm | Sunday 1pm – 5pm |
*PLEASE NOTE: In addition to the hours posted above, seniors, first responders and those who self-identify as vulnerable, will be allowed to access the library Monday to Saturday, 10am to 11am.
Available Services
The library will offer the following services:
- Access to all collections
- Self checkout machines
- Daily and weekly newspapers
- Information Services/Reading Recommendations
- In-person holds pick-up service
- Access to Children’s picture-book room
- Public Computers (by appointment, 2nd floor)
- In-person Printing & Copying (2nd floor)
- Mobile Printing pick-up (2nd floor)
- Limited seating/study space (2nd floor)
- Virtual Programs & Technology Assistance
- Expanded WiFi service
Unavailable
The following services are not available at this time:
- In-person programs/meeting rooms
- Extensive in-person technology assistance
- iConnect Lab, Scanning
- Interlibrary Loans
- Device loans (Chromebooks, eReaders, etc.)
- Home Library Services (HLS)
How we’re keeping you safe
- Limiting the number of patrons in the Library at any given time
- Providing hand sanitizers at the entrance of the library
- Providing limited seating that is physically distanced
- Installing floor markers and directional signage that encourage physical distancing
- Quarantining all returned materials for 72 hours
- Increasing our sanitation schedule, especially at high touch areas
- Installing Plexiglas dividers at service counters and work spaces
- Providing one-way ‘up-down’ stairwells
- Designating physically distanced lineup areas for Information desks
- Training all library staff in proper Covid-19 safety measures
What you can do
- Stay home if you are feeling unwell, have cold or flu-like symptoms
- Consider wearing a mask when visiting the library
- Wash or sanitize your hands before entering the building and frequently throughout the day
- Practice physical distancing
- Limit the duration of your visits as best you can
- In the words of Dr. Bonnie Henry, “Be Safe, Be Calm, Be Kind”
We know you will have lots of questions about how things will work. We are finalizing the details and will be communicating these to you in due course. Please check back regularly for updates.
Questions? Please call us at 604-527-4666 or send an email to AskUs@nwpl.ca
