The Flin Flon Public Library will be expanding services after shutting down due to COVID-19.
Phase two of the library’s reopening plan will go into effect June 22, including hours from Monday-Friday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. The next phase began after library staff were able to access new information on COVID-19 in a library environment. A 36-page study published by library resource group WebJunction and the REALM Project June 17 provided guidance on how libraries could proceed with reopening operations.
“With this research available, we are confident in moving forward with Phase Two of our reopening plan,” read a statement sent to The Reminder by library staff.
Manitoba libraries have been able to open in limited fashion during COVID-19 as an essential service. Saskatchewan libraries were closed as part of the province’s shutdowns, but are covered as part of the province’s phase four reopening which goes into effect June 22.
Six members of the public will be allowed into the building at a time, with four allowed to browse through bookshelves and two allowed on computers. All patrons coming into the library will have their temperature taken with a no-touch forehead thermometer before being allowed in.
Library cards will be needed to enter the building and will have to be presented when entering. Cards will cost two dollars each to replace. New cards can be set up during the altered services, with anyone with a valid government photo ID able to get a card at the front counter.
Visitors to the library are asked to wear masks inside the building - either to bring their own or to get one inside the library itself, where they will be provided. A hand sanitizer station will be in use - all patrons are asked by library management to use it when coming into and leaving the library. Social distancing rules are in effect inside. Sitting inside the library will not be allowed except for computer users.
For computer use, users will be limited to one hour at a time and will have to book appointments ahead of time to use the computers. Once the appointment is over, library staff will clean and sanitize keyboard, mice, chairs and any other surface users may have touched. Computer use will also come with a fee - users will need to pay $2.50 an hour to cover costs of cleaning and new keyboards.
Public washrooms will be closed and children under 12 must be accompanied by adults and will not be allowed to play with toys in the children’s area in the northwest corner.
Before reopening for public use, library staff had previously arranged a pick-up service for books at the library’s front entrance. That service will continue during the next phase of the library’s reopening. Any returns of library material will need to be dumped in the building’s book drop.
