The health of our staff and customers is a key priority as we work to limit the spread of COVID-19. The Windsor Public Library Board closed all library locations earlier this week and joined with the City of Windsor to combat the spread of the contagion. Subsequently, the WPLB has made the decision – effective 5 pm today – to instruct all non-essential library staff to remain at home until – at least – Monday, April 6.
Councillor Rino Bortolin, chair of the WPLB, says, “The library board is totally supportive of the decision, which was not made lightly. The closure of large public spaces helps to delay the spread of the virus, which helps to relieve the stress placed on the health system. The health of our staff and customers is our most important consideration and by following the lead of health and provincial authorities, a temporary closing is the most prudent and sensible action to take.”
Windsorites are reminded that all library resources are available online 24/7 at windsorpubliclibrary.com. Although bricks-and-mortar library branches will be closed, your library card provides access to online resources for all ages, which can be accessed any time, and from anywhere. Books, magazines, movies, music – and a long list of databases – are available, free of charge. Last year, digital resources comprised one-third of our total circulation of 1.27 million. If you don’t already have a library card, you can obtain an eLibrary Card here.
All overdue and checked out materials and holds will be extended to Thursday, April 9 and fines will not accrue until April 9. Customers are asked to keep all library resources and materials as the Book Drops will be closed Thursday, March 19. Materials can be returned when we re-open. Access to e-resources have been restored for customers with blocked and expired cards while we remain closed.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Windsor Public Library will keep the community up-to-date on developments with both Covid-19 and the library closure at www.windsorpubliclibrary.com.
Is there an expiry date for an ecard ?
Thanks for the question Bill. An eCard expires 2 years from the date it was issued.
Can I return my book using the Book Drop at the library?
Not to worry. All overdue and checked out materials and holds have been extended to Thursday, April 9 and fines will not accrue until then. Please hang onto you books as Book Drops have been closed. Materials can be returned when we re-open. I hope this helps.
Can books downloaded from the cloud be renewed online?
At present, we don’t have renewal functionality. If a book is on hold it will automatically transfer to the next customer. If there is no hold on it, you can, of course, check it out again. I hope this answer helps.
Thank you
Do you gots any books by robot Louis Stevenson like maybe treasure island n kidnapped?
Thank You for your question Mike. Please click here and check out our catalogue of resources on Robert Louis Stevenson, some of which are downloadable. I hope this helps.
Will the libraries closure be extended past April 6?
The highest priority of Windsor Public Library is to mitigate the risk and impact Covid-19 has on the safety of our customers and staff. We are following the direction of the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, the City of Windsor, and the Province of Ontario and will remain closed indefinitely. The WPLB will be meeting Tuesday, April 7 to discuss the continued suspension of operations and re-deployment of staff to programs and initiatives which will assist the community in confronting and overcoming the contagion. All overdue and checked out materials and holds will be extended indefinitely and fines will not accrue until we re-open. Customers are asked to keep all library resources and materials as the Book Drops are closed. Materials can be returned when we re-open. Access to e-resources has been restored for customers with blocked and expired cards while we remain closed.
I tried to drop off my 2 books on March 21st(before due date March 28th),but the return bin was locked. Is there any other place I can drop the books and/or will I be charge for holding the books at home?
Will you be able to let me know by email.
Thank you and take care.
The highest priority of Windsor Public Library is to mitigate the risk and impact Covid-19 has on the safety of our customers and staff. We are following the direction of the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, the City of Windsor, and the Province of Ontario and will remain closed indefinitely.
All overdue and checked out materials and holds will be extended indefinitely and fines will not accrue until we re-open. Customers are asked to keep all library resources and materials as the Book Drops are closed. Materials can be returned when we re-open. Access to e-resources has been restored for customers with blocked and expired cards while we remain closed.
Open Book Drops. Please
All overdue and checked out materials and holds have been extended indefinitely and fines will not accrue until we re-open. We ask that customers keep all library resources and materials as the Book Drops will remain closed. Materials can be returned when we re-open. We have taken this action to mitigate the risk and impact Covid-19 has on the safety of other customers and staff.