Effective Monday, July 27, Central Branch (185 Ouellette Avenue) of Windsor Public Library will open for customers wanting computer and internet access.  The trial period will run through Friday, July 31, at which time a decision will be made on the feasibility and practicality of gradually opening the doors at all branches.  It should be noted that Central Branch will ONLY open for computer access. Curbside service will continue.

“Computer and internet access is a fundamental community service which was suspended with our closure in March.  Not only do public libraries help people get online and develop their digital skills, a large segment of the low-income and marginalized community depend on the access.  We are very pleased to be re-opening,” says WPL Board Chair, Councillor Rino Bortolin.

All public access computer stations will be separated by plexiglass dividers and social distancing between stations will be in effect – resulting in a reduced number of computers in operation.  Initially, sessions will be for 45 minutes, with 15 minutes of the hour following use committed to sanitization and other appropriate health and safety procedures.  Additionally, WPL will follow the provincially directed occupancy guidelines. Access to computers will be on a ‘first come first served’ basis – no appointments are necessary but customers should expect to wait, depending on computer availability.

“We are anxious to see our customers and provide the public library service our community needs,” says WPL CEO Kitty Pope. “We ask that the community be patient with us as we test how best to safely re-open our doors. Computer access is a small, but essential, first step.  The health and safety of customers and staff is our primary consideration.”

Central Branch summer hours are: Monday to Thursday, 9 am to 8 pm; and Friday and Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm.  Customers wanting to access public computers should visit through the main entrance located at the rear of the Paul Martin Building accessible by Pitt Street West.