Covid-19

Library operations update

Stage 2 : January 31, 2022

We are returning to in-person browsing with a 50% capacity limit at all branches. Curbside service is still an option for those who prefer not to come into the branch. Computer access, printing and laminating services are all available – no need to book ahead. We are also ready to assist you by phone or email with vaccination bookings or QR code receipt printing. Computer sessions are recommended to stay to 45 minutes at a time. Free wi-fi is always available in the branch and outside the buildings, except at South Elmsley as the branch is still under construction.

Printing is available with flexible payment options. Our main branch in Elgin now has debit/credit payment.

If you have any questions or need further help email, call your branch, or contact us.

What you need to know:

  • Our hours remain the same.
  • You may place holds in person, online or contact branch staff for materials: books, DVDS, magazines, and more.
  • You may use your own device to access wifi or use a public computer.

At Rideau Lakes Public Library we value you as a library member, your access to information and the safety of our community so we are taking all precautions recommended by health officials.  For more details, consult our 2022 Safety and Re-Opening Plan document.

Library hours and pick-up service

Click on the image to expand the schedule for pick-ups and in-branch hours. Get details of curbside pick-up.

For everyone’s safety we need you to:

  • review a checklist posted at the branch to ensure you are not experiencing any Covid-19 like symptoms and have not been travelling outside of Canada or in contact with anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms.  Stay home and stay safe if you feel unwell.  You may also access the Ontario self-assessment tool here.
  • wear a mask as required by the Lanark, Leeds, Grenville Health Unit as of July 6 2020.  Staff will also have masks and may even add face shields – we’ve got it covered!
  • wash or clean your hands when entering or leaving the building.
  • please be mindful of the time as other community members may be booked to use the computers.
Smiling staff members have masks on and demonstrate the 2 meter or 6 foot physical distance by keeping 2 book carts between them.
Curbside Pickup Info
Place a Hold for Pickup

FAQs

  1. When will the library be returning to former, pre-Covid19, hours?

We are back to our full, pre-2020 hours even while we offer modified service with in-person browsing at branches with 50% capacity. Curbside pick-up is still an option. We return to full Sunday hours at the Elgin branch. Please see our current hours listed in the table above or visit our locations and hours page.

2. Does the library still quarantine returned items?

In line with provincial guidelines from June 11 2021, we no longer quarantine our library materials. Many public libraries in Ontario made the shift to a 24 hour period in the spring of 2021 and most no longer have any quarantine period for returned library materials. Here are 2 documents from Kitchener Public Library and Vaughan Public Library with background research that informed this decision.

If you have any questions or concerns around quarantining library items, please contact Vicki, CEO at vicki@rlpl.ca

Please note that as we re-open:

  • Curbside Pick-Up is still available at 5 locations 7 days out of the week.
  • we continue to offer eCollections and virtual programs.
  • Wifi is always available outside of all branches.
  • drop-boxes are open for returning items.

You are able to check out eBooks, eAudiobooks, music and more with our fantastic e-collections : Overdrive/Libby, and Hoopla Contact us at info@rlpl.ca if you are having difficulty logging in or can’t access your PIN.

We will continue to look to public health officials and our municipal partners to assess the changing situation.  We will let you know of any further changes through http://www.rlpl.ca, our newsletter, and social media sites.

One of the best tools in our fight against viral pandemics is awareness and accurate information so we have included trusted sources of information on this page.  Working together we can help to ensure that COVID-19 does not lead to unnecessary fear or division in our community.  RLPL’s priority is to help keep the public and our staff safe, healthy and informed.

Vicki Stevenson, CEO, vicki@rlpl.ca, (613) 359-5334

Information on Covid-19

What is Covid-19?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. Some can infect animals, and some can infect humans. COVID-19 is a new disease caused by the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that was first identified in Wuhan, China in December 2019. COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic in March 2020.

Those who are infected with COVID-19 may have little to no symptoms. Symptoms of COVID-19 are often similar to other illnesses.

Source: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): About the coronavirus disease

Self-assessment tools

For those persons who may be concerned they may have symptoms of COVID-19, the federal government has created an online self-assessment tool. You will be asked a series of questions and dependent upon the responses and symptoms identified, the tool will provide advice, giving one of the four following actions:

Access the Ontario self-assessment tool here.

Daily Updates

Informational Resources

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