With Ontario reaching Step 2 of the provincial three-step Reopening Plan on June 30 – public libraries are once again in a position to welcome customers through their doors.  Windsor Public Library will resume normal library service – with reduced capacity limits – on Monday, July 5.

Access to computers and photocopiers will continue and customers permitted to enter to browse and experience other library services, which have been suspended since March 2020.

“Library staff has focused on new ways to provide service to the community since March 2020 and did so in an innovative and safe fashion,” says WPL Board Chair, Councillor Rino Bortolin, “but we’re overjoyed to finally throw open our doors and welcome back customers.”

Branches are operating under summer hours and will adhere to capacity guidelines set out in the Reopening Plan. Customers will be expected to follow existing health and safety protocols, including the wearing of masks and appropriate social distancing will be in effect.

“The opportunity to finally allow customers into our branches to browse is tremendous,” says WPL CEO Kitty Pope.  “Although our electronic and digital circulation hit all-time highs over the past 16 months, there is nothing quite like the feel of a book on the shelf or the ability of customers to chat with staff they haven’t seen in a while.  Information on summer programming for children will be available soon.”

The July 5 reopening will see the suspension of curbside pickup.