Winnipeg, MB – On Monday, June 22, five additional Winnipeg Public Library (WPL) branches are set to partially reopen. All eight partially reopened branches will offer additional services as part of the second phase of the WPL reopening strategy, including holds pick-up service, telephone reference service, and access to return borrowed library materials.
In addition to the Millennium Library (251 Donald St.), Henderson Library (1050 Henderson Hwy.), and Pembina Trail Library (2724 Pembina Hwy.), which reopened on June 8, the following branches are set to open on June 22:
- Louis Riel Library (1168 Dakota St.)
- St. Boniface Library (131 Provencher Blvd.)
- St. James Library (1910 Portage Ave.)
- Sir William Stephenson Library (765 Keewatin St.)
- Transcona Library (1 Transcona Blvd.)
Public hours of operation will be:
- Monday to Wednesday, and Friday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Thursday: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Returned library materials will be quarantined for 72 hours before re-entering circulation. This practice is based on current research on the lifespan of COVID-19 on specific materials.
Holds on library materials may still be placed using the library’s online catalogue or mobile app. Library employees can provide assistance in this regard through the Ask Us service. Holds pick-up will be limited to one person per family. Visitors will be able to pick up family member’s holds if they bring their library cards.
Winnipeg Public Library will continue to deliver online programs and services, which includes maintaining an extensive online eLibrary of digital media, expanding eBook 24/7 access, and maintaining the Ask Us service.
Customers will be asked to use the self-assessment symptom checklist before entering the buildings. Anyone exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms will not be allowed to enter the branches.
Library staff have received safety training and will be following handwashing protocols and disinfecting surfaces as needed. Hand sanitizer will be available at the entrance of each library. Plexiglass shields have been installed at each checkout station.
Phase Three of reopening libraries, will include the reopening of all branches and the restoration of all services, and will be implemented after Phase Two is assessed.
More information about library services can be found at winnipeg.ca/library. For more information on the City’s response to COVID-19, see winnipeg.ca/COVID-19.