Plans are in the works for both the Gibsons and Sechelt libraries to launch a curbside program for books and other materials.
At the Gibsons and District Public Library, a “library takeout” service is expected to start May 19, which will allow patrons to order books, pick them up and drop them off, instead of perusing shelves inside. “The process for takeout has already started, people are filling out their online forms, and we’re also helping people over the phone,” said Heather Evans-Cullen, library director.
Books and other materials borrowed through the takeout service will undergo sanitization and a 72-hour quarantine before going back to the public, and the intent is to keep the service going “for months to come.”
A curbside service is also being prepared at the Sechelt Public Library, but likely won’t be ready until next month. “I don’t see us starting until June 1. That’s not set in stone but that’s the date we’re working towards,” said interim library director Leianne Emery.
Additional plans are underway for a phased reopening of libraries to the public that could occur in the coming months, said Evans-Cullen. Libraries are working with WorkSafeBC, health authorities and others to develop guidelines and timelines. “When it is deemed safe to do so, we will open the library,” she said.
Looking ahead, one unique characteristic of the Sechelt Library is that it shares the building with the district’s municipal office, and so they have to work on protocols for entry and exit, said Emery. “We have to consider the flow of traffic with the District of Sechelt.”
In Pender Harbour, the reading centre has no “specific plans” for reopening or starting a curbside service, said board chair Karen Dyck. They will be working with Sechelt Public Library on next steps. “We’re eager to be open, but we don’t want to put any of our members or volunteers in danger.”
As of May 13, the community library in Roberts Creek does not have a specific reopening date.
The reopening of libraries across B.C. could take up to two years, but the expansion of services was folded into the government’s Phase 2 plans for reopening the economy and services, announced last week and set to begin mid-May.
A return to in-person programming, possibly on a smaller scale than the past, would be part of the fourth phase, work that could put plans into 2021.
Other public facilities
As of May 12, reopening plans were less conclusive for other public facilities on the Sunshine Coast, such as local government offices and rec centres.
According to Gibsons corporate officer Lindsey Grist, Town Hall could be open to the public “in a limited capacity” by the week of May 19, which follows the government’s Phase 2 guidelines.
Plexiglass has been installed at the building’s front counter and signage will be installed “to educate the public on COVID-19 restrictions.” The front counter has also been divided into two separate areas for ICBC and Town administration.
The parking lot will be closed to make room for a queue that will allow for physical distancing and the public washrooms will also be closed. ICBC and administrative staff will control entry to the building with a “green light” system.
District of Sechelt councillors were scheduled to discuss reopening measures at a May 13 committee meeting. A report by chief administrative officer Andrew Yeates indicated “a phased in plan for the reopening of the municipal hall and the municipality are in progress.”
During a televised interview last week, shíshálh Nation Chief Warren Paull said his team is looking at WorkSafeBC guidelines. “It’s very early days,” he said. “We want to make sure we do it where it’s controlled.” Included in the reopening consideration is the mem7iman Child Development Centre. “A lot of them have gone from playing with 20 to 30 kids to zero,” he said.
Chair Lori Pratt said the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) is “reviewing options for potential openings, following provincial guidelines and best practices” and “will sharing more information as plans solidify.”
CAO Dean McKinley said discussions were planned for March 13, after Coast Reporter’s print deadline. “We are currently actively looking at what reactivation will look like at all SCRD facilities, including our recreation facilities, and we will have more information to share soon.”
– With files from Jeremy Hainsworth, Business in Vancouver
