Staffing pressures force adjusted hours for WC’s OPL branches

WEST CARLETON – COVID-19’s winter uprising has forced the Ottawa Public Library (OPL) to adjust the hours for several branches around the city including West Carleton.

“Given the uncertainty of the pandemic and current staffing pressures, the OPL will be adjusting its hours of operation and modifying services as of Monday, Jan. 10,” OPL staff released in a statement last week. “These changes will provide customers with consistency in opening hours by avoiding the need for sudden closures to respond to fluctuating staffing levels.”

The Carp branch (3911 Carp Rd.) of the OPL will operate under these hours which came in to effect yesterday:

• Monday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. 
• Tuesday: 1 p.m. – 8 p.m.
• Wednesday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. 
• Thursday: 1 p.m. – 8 p.m. 
• Friday, Saturday, and Sunday hours remain the same.  

The hours at the Fitzroy Harbour branch (100 Clifford Campbell Dr.) will be:

• Monday: 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
• Tuesday: Closed
• Wednesday: Closed
• Thursday: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
• Friday: Closed
• Saturday: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Sunday: Closed

The hours for the Constance Bay branch (262 Len Purcell Dr.) are:

• Monday: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
• Tuesday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Wednesday: Closed
• Thursday: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
• Friday: Closed
• Saturday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Sunday: Closed

“Bookmobile services and Homebound Services are not affected,” staff said.

Customers will still be able to: 

• Browse and borrow collections 
• Pick up holds 
• Return materials 24/7 via book drops 
• Use public computers for one (1) hour 
• Get assistance from staff 
• Register for a new library card or renew memberships 
• Pay fees 
• Printing and lamination services 

The following services will be suspended: 

• Seating, study carrels and lounge areas 
• Chromebook-lending  
• In-branch use of newspaper and magazines  
• Creation spaces 

“Customers may also notice a delay in services and receiving requested (hold) items,” staff said. “Customers with pre-booked public computer sessions will receive an email from OPL advising of the cancellation or modification of their booking to align with the new service hours.”

For the latest updates about current service levels at OPL, please visit the OPL website at  https://biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/current-branch-services.