COCHRANE— The Cochrane Public Library is once again closed to patrons due to the move back to Step One of the province’s reopening plan, although many of the services remain functioning either online or with some changes.
“We’re back to Stage One so that means, unfortunately, that we can’t have any patrons inside the library, but patrons are still able to access all of our materials using our curbside pickup service,” said head librarian and assistant director of Cochrane Public Library Andrea Johnston.
Johnston noted the library also has a litany of online resources available, as well as an exam proctoring service for university students who are engaged in distanced learning.
The library also hosts writing classes which are continuing online during the move to Step One.
“We don’t know how long Stage One is going to be here for, so we’re probably going to continue to offer online programming, possibly throughout the summer, unless something changes. But, our main focus is keeping our patrons and staff as safe as possible,” she said.
Libraries play a crucial role in the communities they serve, but that role looks a little different during a global pandemic, Johnston said.
“If we’re not in a global pandemic, this is a wonderful meeting place for families and community members to connect. We even have tutors in, and they’re helping students, and moms meeting up so their kids can play on the computers while they catch up. During the pandemic, even though our doors are closed, we’re still able to offer a lot of services to help our community,” she said. “I think we’re still a community hub. It looks a little different now, unfortunately.”
She said many of the facility's services are important to many people, and in times of economic downturn, even more so. From the recreational items designed to keep you active and healthy to the educational resources that students and life-long learners take advantage of, to the career and job finding supports offered, the social and educational supports offered by the library are crucial tools for many in the community.
“Especially now in a global pandemic, times are tough. Economically, it’s really tough out there, but all of our services are free. You can access anything you need at our library for free. If there’s any financial hardship, we’ll get you signed up for a library card at no cost,” she said. “Being a public library and having a wealth of materials available, even if the service model looks a little different, I think that’s really huge, especially during a global pandemic when things are really stressful, things are really hard, we can help out still.”
Despite the partial closure, the library still has some exciting programs launching in the next few weeks, including the launching of another Lending Library of Things.
For updates and information about programming keep an eye on the Cochrane Public Library's social media feeds, and online at cochranepubliclibrary.ca/.
