Just 11 days ago, we were telling you about Sault Ste. Marie Public Library's hopes to re-open its North Branch library on Northern Avenue on Monday, Oct. 5, and extend hours starting the same day at the downtown James L. McIntyre Centennial Library.
"This date is subject to change due to changes within the community and/or government orders," we quoted Matthew MacDonald, director of libraries, as saying.
COVID-19 had different plans.
"Due to recent developments in the pandemic in Ontario, the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library will be delaying its next step in reopening," MacDonald and library board chair Wayne Greco say in a new announcement.
The much-anticipated North Branch re-opening will be delayed.
The downtown James L. McIntyre Centennial Library will continue with its current hours: Monday through Friday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
"Curbside service is still available by appointment," the library informs us.
"Though the library is not currently charging late fines, we ask that you be considerate and return library materials when you are done with them. For the public’s safety, all returns are placed into quarantine before they are returned to the shelves."
"Those entering the library building, please remember you are expected to follow the board’s face-covering policy, and must wear a mask unless you fall under one of the stated exceptions."
"This policy, along with all of the board’s other policies, can be found on the library’s website at www.ssmpl.ca. Occupancy is still limited to 35 members of the public in the library at a time."
"The Friends of the Library Bookstore has reopened and is limited to three customers at a time. The library, while it appreciates the community’s generosity, is not currently accepting book donations."
"Ontario’s public libraries are actively monitoring the evolving situation regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Public libraries are working closely with local municipalities, public health authorities and Ontario’s library services agencies to make timely, responsible decisions about programming, services and access."
