Covid-19

Library operations update

Stage 1: June 11, 2021

We are not yet open for in-person browsing of the shelves but we are now offering in-branch connectivity by appointment. Book your 45 minute computer/ wifi session by phone or email at any one of our branches (except South Elmsley). Need help to book a vaccine or fill out the online Census? Ask us!

Printing is also available, with flexible payment options as staff will not be giving change.

Curbside Pick-up services are ongoing. If you have any questions or need further help email, call your branch, or contact us.

Provincial lockdown means return to curbside service

We are returning to curbside pick-up service only as of Saturday, April 3 2021. This has not changed with the recent provincial announcement reinforcing stay-at-home orders Friday, April 16 2021.

  • Our curbside hours will remain the same
  • Our drop-boxes remain open
  • You will not be able to browse in the branches
  • You can place holds via your online account or contacting your local branch
  • We will quarantine returned items for approximately a 24 hour period.

Many public libraries in Ontario have made the shift to a 24 hour quarantine period for returned library materials and Rideau Lakes Public Library is following suit. 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, please contact Vicki, CEO at vicki@rlpl.ca

Library branches remain open as of Monday March 22, 2021

While the Leeds, Grenville, and Lanark Health Unit will be moving our area into the Red (control) zone of the Provincial Framework for Covid19 restrictions, library service will not be affected: hours and services remain the same. We continue to follow a 72 hour quarantine period for all library materials as well as enhanced cleaning and ask that everyone practices physical distancing, good hand hygiene, mask wearing and self-health checks. Stay safe everyone.

Re-opening of branches for Tuesday February 16, 2021

With the Provincial stay at home order lifting and a return to the Green “Prevent” zone we are able to offer light browsing and computer use in our branches again. 

What you need to know:

  • Our hours remain the same.
  • You will be able to browse shelves for materials: books, DVDS, magazines, and more.
  • You may use your own device to access wifi or book a computer for 45 minute sessions.
  • South Elmsley Hall location (441 Highway 15) will continue with curbside as well as limited browsing of new books.

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 Re-Opening Plan document.

Library hours and pick-up service

Table showing opening hours for all five locations of Rideau Lakes Public Library since August 4 2020

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

For everyone’s safety we need you to:

  • review a checklist 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 branch.
  • please be mindful of the time as other community members may want to enter the library.
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

Please note that during this Stage of Re-opening:

  • Curbside Pick-Up remains an option at 5 locations 6 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: the South Elmsley drop-box is next to the hall (441 Highway 15)
  • We will continue to quarantine items for an appropriate period.
  • any outstanding or overdue items will be renewed.
  • any fines on DVDs will be forgiven.

You are able to check out eBooks, eAudiobooks, music and more with our fantastic e-collections : Overdrive/Libby, Hoopla & Flipster 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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