OPL reduces services during COVID-19 shutdown  

OTTAWA – Ottawa Public Library (OPL) services will be scaled back to be “in full compliance with the provincial and local health orders (COVID-19 shutdown) which will take effect on Saturday, April 3.” 

Many branches will remain open, but with reduced services. 

“Throughout the city, 31 Library branches will remain open to offer contactless returns and holds pick up inside the branches,” OPL staff released in a statement today (April 1). “No browsing will be allowed and access to public computers will be limited to one computer per branch.”

Hours of operation remain the same. Cardholders can return Library items only when branches are open. Bookmobile and Homebound Services will continue, and the OPL website is available 24/7 for varied resources and services online. 

“The library 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,” staff said. “Mask-wearing inside the branches, and outside in line, remains mandatory. We recommend to all our cardholders to visit BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca for more detailed information about the services being offered and hours of operation at their local branch, and to place holds for library items.”