“Over the past few months, while the physical library space was closed, FVRL staff has found innovative ways to continue fulfilling their mission to connect and engage with the community,” says Gayle Martin, FVRL Board Chair and City of Langley Councillor. “FVRL’s reopening plan is an extension of that innovation as they worked diligently to coordinate with each of the 15 member municipalities to reopen all of the locations and ensure that all customers have equal access. Staff has done an amazing job, and I thank them sincerely for their efforts and participation in planning.”
“We know the community is eager to access our library spaces,” says FVRL’s CEO Scott Hargrove. “Our staff has been working hard behind the scenes to create an in-person library experience that is welcoming and safe for all. We continue to reimagine library services and create new ones based on the shift in customer behaviours and needs resulting from the ongoing pandemic.”
The libraries will reopen with robust safety precautions, including:
- Additional cleaning and disinfecting of workplace
- Quarantining received library materials for a 72-hour period
- Installation of physical barriers as a means to further protect staff and visitors
- Low building occupancy limits which aid physical distancing measures
- Greeter stations for directing library users
- Library visitors will be encouraged to wear face coverings or non-medical masks
- Verbal confirmation that visitors have not been exposed to or are not COVID-19 symptomatic
- Directional signage supporting physical distancing measures in the library
To help contribute to a safe environment for all, customers over the age of three are strongly encouraged to wear a mask during their visit. We kindly ask customers to postpone their visit to the library if they are experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms, or have had recent contact with someone who is ill.
For customers who prefer a more contact-free experience, an adapted FVRL Express service will continue while the libraries are open. Customers can place holds on materials in advance. Customers who have been notified via email that their holds are ready can call the library upon arrival and an FVRL staff member will retrieve their materials, check them out, and hand them to the customer at the door.
To learn more about FVRL’s services, including hours of operation, FVRL Express, eCard sign up, virtual programs and digital content, please visit www.fvrl.ca or call your local library. Connect and engage with FVRL on social by searching ReadLearnPlay on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
