Whoever thought we’d see the day that takeout service would mean something different than borrowing a book at our local library?
But here we are with COVID-19 and everything is strange in trying to maintain some form of normalcy in our lives. The Chemainus Library’s grand opening in March was just a week before shutdowns because of the pandemic, but it eventually opened up again and the staff is doing its best now to serve the needs of customers.
“We have some exciting things happening at our local library,” noted Jude Cooper, the information technician of the Vancouver Island Regional Library’s Chemainus Branch.
She pointed out the library has an abundance of Grab and Go bags that hold 4-5 titles and feature the many different fiction genres. Book Bundle forms are available for customers to request personal non-fiction items on specific topics or genres.
“In addition, I have tech help forms available too – and this enables me to call the customers at home and give them one-on-one tutoring of our eResources or other issues they may be having,” Cooper indicated.
The Chemainus Library is now offering customized Book Bundles (non-fiction and fiction) to go. Customers can come down during Take Out Hours and fill out the form at the library. They can also email or call Cooper directly.
“I then put together a bundle based on their subject preferences with items at the Branch,” she explained.
A more detailed explanation of Takeout Service is probably pertinent and here it is:
Customers can browse the entire collection at search.virl.bc.ca, place holds, then go to the Chemainus Branch with their library card when holds are ready for pick-up.
What you can do
• Access the entire collection at search.virl.bc.ca.
• Pick up materials without safety protocols in place.
• Return library materials during Takeout Service hours.
What’s not available
• Browsing in-branch or accessing the interior of the building.
• Self-checkout.
• Self-serve holds.
• Fine payments – not in effect.
• Public computers and printing.
• Washrooms.
• In-branch programs.
• Meeting and study rooms.
• In-person information desk services.
How customers and staff are being kept safe
• Ensuring proper physical distancing.
• Disinfecting all touch points between pick-ups.
• Quarantining all returned materials.
Current ‘Take Out Hours’ are: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m.-noon, 2-4 p.m. and 6-7 p.m.; and Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-noon and 2-4 p.m. The library is closed Sundays and Mondays.
The hours are designed for customers to pick up requested items. The book drop is open for returns at the back of the building.
It is hoped to have limited “walk through” service sometime in October.
