The Moose Jaw Public Library staff were blown away with the huge amount of materials returned after they reopened the drop-off slot on the building a few weeks ago.
Interim assistance head librarian Carolyn Graham estimated that around 6,500 books have been returned to the MJPL over the last two weeks, resulting in a wildly long train of carts filling the library floor for staff to sort through.
The large influx can be explained, however, as all materials loaned out before COVID-19 shut down the library in March were allowed to be returned beginning July 15.
About half of the library’s staff have returned to work in the building at this time, and all of them are working hard to keep up with both the return slot and the ongoing curbside pick-up program.
For now, as the library remains closed, Graham shared a few tips with patrons who may be wondering how book returns and overdue fines are being handled.
Materials can be returned using the drop-off slot on the outside of the library’s building, and staff are clearing out that cache several times a day.
All materials are being given a four week loan period, after which patrons can choose to renew the material if it hasn’t been requested by another person.
Renewal notifications are automatically sent out by the online system, said Graham, and patrons can renew their books either online or by calling the MJPL.
Overdue fines have been suspended until at least September, she continued, but charges related to damaged or lost items are still applicable.
And, for peace of mind, all materials coming into the MJPL are being quarantined for a minimum of 72 hours before being made available to loan again, to help mitigate potential contact.
“Even though the province announced a few days ago that the quarantine period could be reduced from 72 hours to 24 hours, we decided to continue with 72 hours because we haven’t had a chance to review the science supporting [that decision,” said Graham. “And to be honest, with the number of returns we’ve had, the quarantine period has sometimes been a week or more, as we get through the backlog.”
Graham also noted that if patrons are feeling uncomfortable with that period, they can also leave their loaned items in the pickup bag for longer once at home.
Although select other branches in the Palliser Regional Library system have announced dates for beginning in-person visits by appointment, the MJPL is not one of those branches at this time.
Graham said that they are working hard on a plan to reopen the library to patrons in the future, although details are still being ironed out.
Announcements about the next step in the plan are expected next week, on the MJPL’s Facebook page.
