Regina Public Library hopes to reopen branches by mid-July

There’s some good news for people who use the Regina Public Library as staff are hoping to have all RPL locations ready to reopen by July 13 amid the COVID-19 pandemic

Libraries in Saskatchewan are permitted to open their doors starting on June 29th when phase 4.2 of the Re-open Saskatchewan Plan gets underway. However Jeff Barber, CEO and library director of the Regina Public Library, said their branches won’t be reopening just yet since more preparations are needed. This includes reviewing safety protocols, recalling laid off employees and preparing staff to work under new conditions.

One of the important changes visitors will notice upon their return to their local library is protocols that support social distancing. Barber said one of those changes will include the amount of people allowed to gather in a library.

“Yes we will have some seating, but not nearly as much as we normally would,” explained Barber during a phone interview. “As the times change, as the protocols and guidelines change, we’ll change as well.”

He mentioned how it will be a different library experience that supports social distancing, which will be reflected in areas such as their hours of operation.

“Hours will start out a little more limited, and part of that is ultimately around the safety of our customers and staff in terms of the number of people we can have in our facilities.”

Hours will start from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. from Monday through Saturday and from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sundays.

Barber mentioned that their return and curbside pickup services will continue until their branches are back in business.