OPL updates some of its COVID-19 policies

OTTAWA – The library says holds appointments will no longer be necessary, just some of the latest updates Ottawa’s library system released in a briefing today.

“Since its initial closure in March 2020, Ottawa Public Library (OPL) has been working to adapt to the current situation and to safely resume physical services,” OPL staff released in a statement today (Sept. 9). “Here are the latest updates on OPL services.”

As of Wednesday, Sept. 9, appointments are no longer required to pick up holds at Rosemount (temporary location) and Metcalfe Village. Customers can return items and pick up holds at these locations any time during operational hours. In-branch browsing of the collection and computer use are not available at these locations.  

As of Thursday, Oct. 1, OPL will be returning to some of its regular holds procedures.  

Holds will be kept on the shelves for seven days, instead of the current 14 days. 

The $1 restocking fee will once again apply for items on hold that are not picked up before their expiry date.  The holds limit will increase to 100 physical items for each customer. 

Customers can manage, pause, and cancel holds in their OPL account or by calling InfoService at 613-580-2940. 

As of Tuesday, Sept. 8, customers can borrow from the Express collection again. Loan periods for Express items are the same as before OPL’s closure (three days or seven days, depending on the item). 

As of Thursday, Oct. 1, OPL will return to a 21-day loan period for items from the regular collection.  

Late fees for items were suspended in March and will continue to be suspended until the end of 2020.  

There were many library items checked out to customers at the time of OPL’s March closure. Due dates for these items were extended to dates staggered throughout the month of September.  

Due dates will not be extended past September. 

Library items coming due can be returned to one of OPL’s 22 open branches during operational hours or to the Bookmobile, on its modified schedule.  

If a customer’s home branch is not yet open, items can be returned to the branch or Bookmobile stop that is most convenient for them. A map of all OPL branches can be found on OPL’s Hours and Locations page. 

For additional details on current Library services, please visit BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca.