LIBRARIES TO RE-OPEN ‘REJUVENATED — AND COVID SAFE’
MUSKOKA — Going back to the library will be a new, safer experience for knowledge seekers.
Governments are taking advantage of the pandemic to catch up on municipal infrastructure repairs.
Count libraries among the projects receiving money and effort.
Both Gravenhurst and Huntsville are working on renovations and anticipate re-opening their doors this fall with interior improvements.
The Town of Gravenhurst says in a release last week that in the wake of the global pandemic and restrictions to public access to municipal buildings, there is some exciting work going on behind the scenes to make the Gravenhurst Public Library “a much brighter and modernized space to enjoy.”
“We’ve been wanting to do a refresh of the library’s interior for quite some time, and being closed to the public because of the pandemic has given us an unanticipated opportunity to get the work underway,” said Julia Reinhart, chief Librarian.
“Originally, we had planned to temporarily close the library for several weeks in the late fall to complete this work, so doing it all now while we have adjusted our services only makes good sense.”
Enhancements already underway include painting throughout, new carpeting on both floors, a new front desk to be fitted with sneeze guard protective shields, and new mobile shelving units on the main floor.
The mobile units will house children’s picture books, juvenile fiction, audio books, large print books, and magazines. These will help make the space more flexible in terms of how it’s used.
Reinhart says the library has also purchased a new point-of-sale system to facilitate payments by debit or credit card.
Copying services will still be offered, but will be moved out of the public area to help address physical distancing requirements.
She says once the library re-opens, “users will have a rejuvenated, modernized and safe library space to come back to.
“We’ll be sharing sneak peeks and progress updates on the library’s social media over the next few weeks, so we invite everyone to check that out,” said library clerk Megan Davidson.
Funds for the project were approved by Gravenhurst Town Council, as part of the 2020 capital budget. The library board’s endowment reserve is being used to cover the costs of the new front desk.
Meanwhile, the library is open and staffed daily, but it remains closed for public access.
However, curbside pick-up of materials and the book-drop is still available.
Visit www.gravenhurstlibrary.com for more information.
For information contact CEO Reinhart at [email protected]
Or call the library at 705-687-3382.
HUNTSVILLE LIBRARY SUGGESTS
ITS WEBSITE DURING RENOVATIONS
HUNTSVILLE — The Huntsville Public Library, too, will continue to remain closed to the public while repairs to the building are completed.
They expect a fall re-opening; but say that cannot yet be confirmed.
As well, a release also last week states the library will continue to provide status updates on huntsvillelibrary.ca and information will be communicated as it becomes available.
Residents are encouraged to explore the library’s online digital resources such as the Overdrive/Libby app, Ancestry, CreativeBug, Flipster Magazines, Lynda.com and virtual activities for all ages at huntsvillelibrary.ca.
Virtual activities and digital collections are highlighted on the library’s Facebook and Twitter page, so be sure to give them a follow.
If you should have any questions about the library’s digital collections, please reach out on email to the Library team at [email protected].
To learn more about the library’s modified service plan and when the building can re-open, visit the Reconnect page on huntsvillelibrary.ca.
Or contact David Tremblay, CEO / chief librarian at (705) 789-5232 ext 3407 | 1-888-696-4255 ext 3407.
Or email him at [email protected]
