The Moose Jaw Public Library has announced that, despite the provincial announcement yesterday that it may resume in-person services, doors will remain closed for the time being.
The second part of Phase Four of the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan is set to begin on June 29, allowing spaces like libraries to reopen to the general public, but the MJPL has decided that it will hold off on doing so until more safety guidelines from the Provincial Library office are determined.
Carolyn Graham, acting assistant head librarian at MJPL, spoke to the decision to remain closed.
“We want to be sure that it's safe, because libraries have a lot of nooks and crannies that can be very hard to keep clean, like books [and] public computers, for example," said Graham. "So every step of the plan moving forward is going to involve developing the proper safety protocols."
Lending services have already begun again, with the contactless curbside pickup program in full swing. Other services regularly offered by the MJPL will be resuming gradually, although details have yet to be determined.
A more concrete plan from the provincial library oversight body is expected within the next few weeks, at which time the MJPL will be better equipped to address reopening other services to the community.
“We are just not ready to proceed and we do feel like we should be following the direction from the Provincial Library," said Graham. "And [it seems important] to have all libraries on the same page, instead of one library doing this and other doing something different, because that can be quite confusing to the public."
As part of the Palliser Regional Library system, the MJPL’s decision to remain closed was made in conjunction with senior members of the library board. Many other Palliser branches will be following the same protocol.
The MJPL will continue to operate as it has been for the past few months. Staff at MJPL can be contacted either by phone at 1 (306) 692-2787, by email at ask@moosejawlibrary.ca, by Facebook message, or by using the live chat feature on moosejawlibrary.ca.
