Hamilton public libraries set to reopen amid pandemic

Public libraries in Hamilton will reopen on Thursday across the city after shutting doors in mid-March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Branches will once again allow browsing, pickup, computer access and use of printers and scanners Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday

Turner Park is the only location that will have a staggered reopening, and that is set for after the long weekend on Tuesday.

“We’re moving to Phase 3 because of the collective work of people in our community. We’re excited to welcome back all Hamilton Public Library members. All branches have increased cleaning and new services,” said CEO and chief librarian Paul Takala in a release on Wednesday.

With the on-going pandemic, there will be some procedural changes, which include masks, physical distancing, maximum capacity, staff PPE, and Plexi-glass barriers on furniture.

Patrons will also be required to produce a valid library card upon each visit as the branches will use the information for contact tracing. Returns will also be quarantined for 72 hours which will delay updates to some member’s accounts.

Hamilton Public Library virtual services will remain at hpl.ca for storytimes, author readings, book clubs, tech classes, etc.

2:27 Coronavirus: No plan to roll back reopening in Ottawa, announcement coming on Toronto, Peel and Windsor-Essex

Burlington libraries are open with limited service

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Four Burlington libraries are open only for pickups and some public computer usage by reservation only.

The outlets open with limited service are Aldershot, Central, New Appleby, and Tansley Woods.

Hours for all are Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday from 11:p.m. to 7:p.m. & Saturday 9:a.m. to 5:p.m.

Masks or face coverings are required.

St. Catharines Libraries open only for pickup service

Four libraries in St. Catharines are open for pickup service only.

The city added the Dr. Huq and Port Dalhousie Branches on Monday.

Patrons can call in and schedule a pickup time at these locations:

Central: Monday to Saturday: 10:a.m. to 4:p.m.
Dr. Huq: Monday and Tuesday 9:a.m. to 5:p.m., Wednesday 9:a.m. to 8:p.m., Thursday to Saturday 9:a.m. to 5:p.m.
Merritt: Monday 1:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday and Friday 10:a.m. to 4:p.m.
Port: Tuesday, Thursday 10:a.m. to 5:p.m. and Saturday, 11:a.m. to 4:p.m.

Books from Central, Dr. Huq and Merritt can be dropped 24/7, however, they will remain quarantined for 96 hours and sanitized before being put back into circulation.

The city’s libraries are expected to remain closed for in-person visits at least until September.

Niagara Falls libraries are closed

All physical locations in the city of Niagara Falls are closed due to COVID-19. The city is offering a virtual library on its website.

Brantford’s main branch open

The Main branch on Colborne Street reopened on Tuesday for browsing and borrowing Monday through Saturday.

No appointments are required for pick up or to use library computers at the Main Branch.

Only the front doors at the main branch will be open. Face coverings and physical distancing protocols are in effect.

The city’s St. Paul Branch is still only offering pickup service.