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As libraries resume services, Thunder Bay's remains cautious

Thunder Bay Public Library emphasizes safety while laying out seven-phase approach to reopening
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The Thunder Bay Public Library is taking a cautious approach to resuming services like curbside pickup. (File photo)

THUNDER BAY - The Thunder Bay Public Library is taking a "deliberately slow and safe approach" to reopening, putting it behind other northern Ontario libraries in resuming services like book pickup and returns.

The TBPL released some details of its seven-phase reopening plan earlier this week. It's currently in phase one, which involves preparing Waverley library for the return of staff. Phase two involves the same process for the Mary J.L. Black library, while phase three will see the library allow patrons to return materials at those two locations.

No-contact pickup of materials will come in phase four, "once details are fully worked out and safety plans are in place."

Other northern Ontario libraries, including those in Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie, Kenora, Timmins, and North Bay, are currently offering some form of curbside or no-contact pickup.

In a release, the library said it couldn't offer a detailed timeline for proceeding through its phased reopening, "as this will depend on staff safety, building preparation, staff capacity, and public safety," as well as public health advice.

The library may offer limited services inside library lobbies in phase five of its reopening plan, but a wider reopening of physical library branches won't come until phase seven.




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