Medicine Hat Public Library will reopen the downtown branch to the general public on Thursday after restrictions on closures were eased by provincial health authorities this week.--News Photo Collin Gallant
The Medicine Hat Public Library will reopen its doors to the public Thursday morning under capacity restrictions, it announced Tuesday, the day after the province eased some restrictions.
The downtown branch and other libraries across Alberta will be allowed to welcome 15 per cent of capacity after they were moved ahead in a provincial reopening plan.
“It’s a real pleasant surprise,” said Ken Feser, chief librarian. “We were expecting to be included in Stage 3, but now we’ll need a couple days to arrange some things.”
That includes staging some barriers to encourage physical distancing, but “the whole facility will be open,” said Feser.
Computer reservations will not be required, but the number of terminals and general seating will be reduced.
Feser said operations should appear similar to late November before the latest rounds of widespread closures were announced by health authorities.
Masks and other common health measures are required. Feser said the capacity reduction puts the maximum number allowed in the building at about 67, including staff.
The library will also continue with curbside and other delivery options it has employed for the last year, including during and after facility closures.
“It drops off, but it’s an important option for people who are maybe isolating themselves more, or just feel more comfortable,” said Feser.
New hours will see the facility open from 10 a.m. six days per week and close at 5 p.m. most days with evening hours until 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The building is closed on Sundays.
Computer and table reservations are no longer needed.
Regional libraries now open
Redcliff Library reopened to patrons on a limited basis on Tuesday, and other locations in the region are opening up as well.
“It’s wonderful to see all the people coming in,” Redcliff library manager Tracy Laturnus said Tuesday afternoon.
That facility will continue to offer curbside pickup and home delivery as it has since March 2020.
Masks and the use of hand sanitizer at the front door are required. The capacity limit is 13 patrons at any time.
Cypress County announced on social media that the Irvine Library would also reopen at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
The Shortgrass Library system website recommends contacting regional locations to determine reopening dates.
