Carp library re-opens Monday

CARP — The Carp branch of the Ottawa Public Library (OPL) will re-open its doors this Monday (June 14).

“Starting Monday, June 14, most of OPL’s 31 open branches will offer contactless services inside branches, including the use of public computers, as part of Step 1 of the province’s three-step re-opening plan,” OPL staff released in a statement today (June 11). “Until then, current curbside services are in effect through to Sunday, June 13.”

The Constance Bay branch is also open for contactless pick up.

The Fitzroy Harbour branch remains closed at this time.

Homebound and Bookmobile Services will continue, though customers will not be able to enter the vehicle where physical distancing is not possible.

“Around-the-clock book drops are back,” the OPL said. “Starting June 14, Library materials can be returned anytime via book drops at all 31 open branches as provincial requirements to quarantine returned library materials has been lifted. Returned items will be removed automatically from accounts after being returned.”

Holds can be picked up on shelves and checked out at self-checkout stations inside the branch. Due to branch capacity limits, cardholders will be encouraged to limit in-branch time to ensure equitable access to as many people as possible. Line-ups may occur outside branches.

Public computers are available with a reservation.

“Please ask an OPL staff member to borrow a Chromebook,” staff said. “Document printing is also available by request. Outdoor Wi-Fi is accessible at many branches.”

 Hours of operation remain the same with the recent addition of Sunday hours from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. in June at OPL’s six largest branches across Ottawa: Beaverbrook, Cumberland, Greenboro, Main, Nepean Centrepointe, and Ruth E. Dickinson—as well as for OPL’s InfoService.

“OPL continues to follow direction from the Province of Ontario and guidance from Ottawa Public Health to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our community, and as such, mask-wearing inside branches and outside in line remains mandatory,” staff said. “Following the three-step reopening plan, we anticipate Step 2 at OPL could begin by July 5, with Step 3 by July 26, subject to provincial authority.”

BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca, the OPL website, is available 24/7 for virtual browsing of our catalogue, varied digital resources and a wide range of virtual programs. 

Other OPL branches opening Monday include:

• Alta Vista
• Beaverbrook
• Blackburn Hamlet
• Carlingwood
• Centennial
• Constance Bay
• Cumberland
• Elmvale Acres
• Emerald Plaza
• Greely
• Greenboro
• Hazeldean
• Main
• Manotick
• Munster
• Nepean Centrepointe
• North Gloucester
• North Gower
• Osgoode
• Richmond
• Rideau
• Rockcliffe Park
• Ruth E. Dickinson
• St. Laurent
• Stittsville
• Sunnyside
• Vanier