The Guelph Public Library says it’s not expecting to reopen its doors on Friday as plans to welcome residents back inside branches may take a couple weeks.
Guelph will be allowed to enter Stage 3 of the province’s reopening plan on Friday, which allows libraries to reopen all on-site services.
But the CEO of the Guelph Public Library, Steven Kraft, said while the framework gives the institution permission to open, it is not mandated.
“Our focus over the next several weeks will be on reopening up all library locations,” he said in a statement. “We are now working alongside public health and the City of Guelph to understand how best to accommodate this new phase.”
Kraft said new procedures are being created before reopening and expects those plans to be shared with the public over the next couple of weeks.
Libraries were forced to close on March 17 under the province’s state of emergency and 120 library staff were placed on emergency leave in Guelph on April 25.
“Reopening takes planning, preparations, recall of staff, training and more,” Kraft said. “The priority of the library continues to be the health and safety of our customers and staff.”
The library is already offering online services and programming along with curbside pickup, which will continue.
Updates can be found on Guelph Public Library’s website.