Maegan Nielsen is glad to welcome back patrons to the Moosomin town library that is operating at regular hours now that some COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted.
“We were closed March 20 and I didn’t come back to work until June 28. There were no library materials available at that time,” said Nielsen.
Curb-side pick up became available in July and patrons were allowed to come into the library in the beginning of August, but there was a five-person limit.
“We are still running curb-side pick up so, if you don’t want to come into the library, you can just come into the entrance way, and pick up your books,” said Nielsen.
The Saskatchewan Integrated Library System (SILS) is also back up and running.
“So, you can order anything across the province and by the time it transits, from one library to the next, it has already been in the mandatory 72 hour quarantine,” said Nielsen.
Although the capacity limit has doubled to 10 people allowed at a time, there are still some guidelines that need to be followed.
“When entering the building we ask people sanitize their hands, browsing for items is now permitted but if you touch an item please take it. If you decide you don’t want to borrow an item after touching it please place it in our quarantine basket,” said Nielsen.
By not touching unwanted items, patrons reduce the amount of books and other media that has to be in quarantine.
“All physical items in the library are quarantined for 72 hours before they can circulate again. Because of the “touch it, take it” policy we’re encouraging anyone with little kids to call ahead and have staff pick out books for you and your child to enjoy together. Tell the staff member what subjects or interests your child has and we’ll pick out however many items you would like. The books will then be waiting for you at the desk ready for you to check out when you visit us,” said Nielsen.
There are a variety of ways people can contact the library for this service.
“People can call, email or message us on Facebook to request items,” said Nielsen.
The library is open and most of the services are back, however there might be a bit of a wait when it comes to using the computer.
“There is only one public computer available at this time for business and school work use and to print documents. No gaming is allowed. The cost for printing and copies are ten cents a page and we ask that you bring exact change with you. We only accept cash,” said Nielsen
Plenty of popular programs will also return soon, but with limited capacity.
“Programs in person starting in October will have limited spaces. Only 10 people are allowed in branch at this time, so please contact us prior to the program to register,” said Nielsen.
Some programs will also be available online.
“All programs for all nine-year-olds and younger will be done virtually until at least the beginning of 2021. Preschool programs will be live Wednesday and Friday mornings on Facebook.
With winter coming on, when more time will be spent by the fire reading, Nielsen wants to assure citizens of Moosomin that the library selection is extensive.
“I’m not sure the exact amount of physical items available in the library system but I do know that our region, Southeast, circulated 76,999 items last year across the province to other regions. Within the Southeast Region – we have 47 branches across the southeast part of the province – we had 436,144 items checked out in 2019, saving residents $8.9 million, which I think is pretty amazing,” said Nielsen.
