COVID-19 Services
EFFECTIVE APRIL 21, 2021 – LIBRARY SERVICES IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19
New Westminster Public Library continues to offer library services to City of New Westminster residents and visitors. In reponse to the most recent Public Health Orders , coupled with the dramatic rise in the number of new COVID-19 cases in our region, we have modified some of our services (please see below).
In order to keep our staff and community safe, we ask the following when you visit the library:
- Wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose at all times
- Sanitize before and after your visit
- Do not visit in large groups (ideally, one person per household)
- Keep visits as brief as possible (15 minutes or less, unless using a public computer)
We continue to follow the Library’s WorkSafe BC COVID-19 Safety Plan as well as the City of New Westminster COVID-19 Safety Plan to optimize safety for both our staff and community.
Please check back regularly for updates. We only update this page if there is a change in availability of services to the community.
In addition to the hours below, please see our Holiday Closures.
| Main Branch | Monday 10am – 6pm | Tuesday 10am – 6pm | Wednesday 10am – 6pm | Thursday 10am – 6pm | Friday 10am – 5pm | Saturday 10am – 5pm | Sunday 12pm – 5pm |
| Queensborough Branch | Monday Closed | Tuesday 11am – 5pm | Wednesday 1pm – 5pm | Thursday 1pm – 5pm | Friday 1pm – 5pm | Saturday 10am – 2pm | Sunday Closed |
Available Services
The library currently offers the following services:
- Browsing for material (be brief, please!)
- Access to the Children’s Department
- Self checkout machines
- In-person holds pick-up service
- Toy Library lending (in partnership with Family Place)
- Interlibrary loans
- Public Computers
- In-person Printing, Copying and Scanning
- Mobile Printing pick-up
- Device loans (Chromebooks & eReaders)
- Library Programs (virtual)
- Access to online resources and databases
- Expanded WiFi service (Main Branch)
Unavailable
The following services are temporarily unavailable at this time:
- Access to study seating and tables
- Newspapers
- In-person programs/meeting rooms
- Extensive in-person technology assistance
- iConnect Lab
- Creation Stations (digitization stations)
- Historical Collections (Microfilm, Directories, Microfiche, Maps, etc.)
- Home Library Services (HLS)
How we’re keeping you and staff safe
- Limiting the number of patrons in the Library at any given time
- Providing hand sanitizers at the entrance of the library
- Installing floor markers and directional signage that encourage physical distancing
- Increasing our sanitation schedule, especially at high touch areas
- Installing Plexiglas dividers at service counters and work spaces
- Designating physically distanced lineup areas for Information desks
- Continued training and updates for 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
- Wear a mask that covers both your nose and mouth at all times while in 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 to no more than 1 hour per day
- In the words of Dr. Bonnie Henry, “Be Safe, Be Calm, Be Kind”
We know you may have questions about our modified hours and available services. Please feel free to connect with us at 604-527-4660 or send an email to AskUs@nwpl.ca
