March 21, 2022: Changes to COVID-19 Library Protocols
In response to the announcement made by Dr. Kieran Moore, the Chief Medical Officer of Health, on March 9th, 2022, and recommendations made by Southwestern Public Health, the Woodstock Public Library has modified its response to COVID-19.
Effective Monday March 21st, 2022
- Masking requirements have been removed for patrons entering the building.
- Curb-side pick-up will be provided to patrons upon request.
- Enhanced cleaning will continue.
- Protective Barriers will remain in place for the time being.
- Public seating will be gradually re-introduced.
Please contact the Library for further information.
Thanks,
David Harvie
Library CEO
Feburary 2, 2022: Return to Browse, Borrow & Go Library Services on February 7, 2022
The Woodstock Public Library will return to Browse, Borrow, & Go Library Services as of Monday, Feburary 7, 2022 at 10 am. Browsing, staff assistance, and limited computer services will be available during operating hours: Monday to Thursday 10am-8:30pm, and Friday to Saturday 10am-5pm. Masks and physical distancing are required when visiting the library as per the directive of the Medical Officer of Health.
Please find full service details here. We look forward to seeing you in person soon!
January 4, 2022: Return to Curbside Service
As of Wednesday January 5th 2022, the Woodstock Public Library will return to curbside pick-up service only due to COVID-19 health considerations and reduced staffing levels.
During this period, the library will be closed to patrons and we will not be able to offer access to our public computers or photocopiers. We will however continue to offer our virtual programming and digital collections via the Internet. Patrons are invited to use our online catalogue to place holds on items for pick-up.
The Library will continue to review the situation and looks forward to returning to in-library service.
For more information, please click here.
Thanks,
David Harvie
Library CEO
September 22, 2021: Print your proof of vaccination for free
As of today, the Government of Ontario has mandated proof of vaccination and photo ID to enter high risk indoor settings such as restaurants, bars and gyms. This regulation does not cover public libraries.
In order to assist our patrons, the Woodstock Public Library will provide free printing of proof of vaccination. Our librarians will be pleased to offer assistance to patrons at our public Internet stations to access, download and print these receipts. In order to avoid disappointment, we recommend that patrons phone ahead to book a public Internet computer at 519-539-4801 ext. 3006.
David Harvie
Library CEO
September 10, 2021
On September 1st, the Government of Ontario announced that proof of vaccination will be required in select settings, and that as of September 22, 2021, Ontarians will need to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination along with photo ID to access a number of venues. Public libraries are not included in the lists of venues in which proof of vaccination is required for entrance. The Woodstock Public Library will continue to follow all medical directives from public health authorities to ensure the safety of our patrons and staff.
David Harvie
Library CEO
August 5, 2021 - End of Quarantine for Returned Library Materials
Under Stage 3 pandemic directives, the province no longer requires public libraries to quarantine returned library materials.
Given the low active COVID-19 case count in our area and increasing vaccination rates in the province, the Woodstock Public Library will no longer quarantine returned library materials starting Thursday August 5th. This decision was made in consultation with the Southwestern Health Unit and follows the best practices of other Ontario libraries.
Library staff will concentrate on processing the quarantine backlog of materials for the next few days.
The Library will continue to follow Stage 3 pandemic restrictions for public libraries as established by the province and health unit. Face coverings and social distancing are required while in the building. Given a building capacity limit of 50 patrons, we request that patrons “browse, borrow and go”, so that everyone has an opportunity to access our collections.
The elimination of quarantine of returned library materials signals that we are safely moving in the right direction. As always, the Library will continue to ensure a safe and healthy environment for our patrons and staff.
David Harvie
Library CEO
July 17, 2021 - Library Services under Step 3 of the Roadmap to Reopening
The Province has announced the movement to Step 3 of the Roadmap to Reopening starting July 17, 2021. The Woodstock Public Library will continue to provide services under our Browse, Borrow, and Go model with an increase to the number of persons allowed in the building at a time. Curbside services are available upon request. Please note that face coverings and social distancing continue to be mandatory when visiting the library, and limited services are available, such as printing, public computers, and browsing. No study/leisure space will be available under this Step.
June 25, 2021 - Library Services under Step 2 of the Roadmap to Reopening
The Province has announced the movement to Step 2 of the Roadmap to Reopening starting June 30, 2021. The Woodstock Public Library will be pivoting our services from our current Curbside Pickup Services to our Browse, Borrow, and Go model as of Monday, July 5th at 10 am. Curbside services will remain throughout next week, and will be available upon request after we reopen July 5th. Please note that face coverings and social distancing will continue to be mandatory when visiting the library, and limited services will be available, such as printing, public computers, and browsing. No study/leisure space will be available under this Step. Please visit our website on July 5th for full details on services and restrictions for Step 2.
June 14, 2021 - Library Services under Step 1 of the Roadmap to Reopening
The Province has now entered Step 1 of the Roadmap to Reopening. Step 1 guidelines for public libraries allow the continuation for curbside pickup services, but do not allow for browsing within the library or other in-person services. Find out more about our curbside pickup services here. We look forward to welcoming you back into the library, with restrictions, later this summer. Please contact the library at 519-539-4801 for assistance placing holds, or with your library account.
April 1, 2021 – Library Services Under Provincial Shutdown
On April 1st, 2021 the Province of Ontario declared that the entire province will be moving to an increase level of protection.
As of opening on Saturday April 3rd, the Woodstock Public Library will once again offer curb-side pick-up service for our patrons from the Library’s vestibule. Public access to our stacks, washrooms, microfilm readers and Internet stations will not be available. Returned items will only be accepted via our book drop, and will be quarantined for 6 days.
More information on how to place a hold, and arrange for a pick up can be found on our website, or phone the Library at 519-539-4801. Please note that returned library materials will be quarantined for a period of 6 days.
Sincerely,
David I. Harvie
Library CEO
February 28, 2021 - Orange Level Restrictions Return
With the announcement that our region will be entering the Orange Zone as of Monday, March 1, 2021, the library will be expanding its services under the Browse, Borrow, & Go service model on that date. Four (4) public internet computers will be available, as well as one (1) microfilm machine. Photocopying and printing services are also available.
All patrons will continue to be greeted and screened by a library staff member upon entry. Face coverings and social distancing will be required while in the building to ensure the safety of both patrons and staff. Please click here for further details of current library services, or call 519-539-4801.
February 23, 2021 - Library Re-Opens Under Red Zone Restrictions
With the announcement that our region has entered the Red (Control) Zone, the Woodstock Public Library will re-open to the public on Tuesday February 23rd. Patrons will once again be allowed into the library stacks to browse, borrow and go!
Due to provincial restrictions, the Library will only be able to accommodate 10 patrons in the building at a time. All patrons will be greeted and screened by a library staff member upon entry. Face coverings and social distancing will be required while in the building to ensure the safety of both patrons and staff. Returned items will only be accepted via our book return. The Library will continue to quarantine returned library materials for 6 days.
As a courtesy to others, we ask patrons to limit the length of their visits. We strongly recommend that patrons use our online catalogue to reserve items and schedule their visit once they have received notification for quick and efficient service. Curb-side pick-up appointments can be made during normal library hours.
At this time we are unable to offer access to our microfilm readers, public internet computers, and study space. As restrictions are removed for our region by the province, we will be able to offer more services to our patrons.
The Woodstock Public Library would like to thank its patrons for their ongoing patience and support.
For additional information contact the Library at 519-539-4801.
January 13, 2021 - Continuation of Curbside Services
On Tuesday January 12th, the Province of Ontario declared a second state of emergency and implemented further restrictions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Woodstock Public Library has reviewed the new restrictions and received further clarification from the Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Cultural Industries.
As an approved service under the order, Woodstock Public Library is pleased to continue to offer this curbside pick up to our patrons.
More information on how to place a hold, and arrange for a pick up can be found on our website. Please note that returned library materials will be quarantined for a period of 6 days.
David I. Harvie
Library CEO
January 5, 2021 - Updated Curbside Hours and Procedures
As of Wednesday, January 6th, curbside pick ups will occur outside of the front doors of the library. Please knock on the main doors for service during pre-scheduled and drop-in times on January 6th. We anticipate having a door bell to ring for service as of Thursday, January 7th.
As of Thursday, January 7th, curbside hours will change to the following:
Pre-scheduled appointments: Monday through Friday, 10-11 am
Drop in pick ups: Monday through Thursday, 11am-7:30 pm, Friday and Saturday, 11 am-4:30 pm
December 21, 2020 - Library Service during the Provincial Lockdown - Dec 26 to Jan 23
The Woodstock Public Library is pleased to announce that it will be offering a curb-side pick-up service starting Monday December 28th in response to the provincial COVID-19 lockdown.
This service will continue for the entire 28 day period. During the lockdown, patrons will not have access to our building.
We anticipate reopening our building with our “Browse, Borrow and Go” library service model on Monday January 25th upon the end of the lockdown period.
More details about our curb-side pick-up service can be found on our website. If you have any questions, please contact the Library by phone.
Thanks,
David I. Harvie
Library CEO
October 28, 2020
The library is pleased to announce that limited computer services, microfilm reader access, and printing and photocopying services are now available - more details can be found on our Browse, Borrow, & Go service page. Please note that internet sessions are limited to 45 minutes per day, and session times begin on the hour. Registration is required, and pre-booking your internet time is strongly recommended. Please call 519-539-4801 to reserve your internet time, or speak to staff at the Information desk on the second floor.
October 21, 2020
Out of an abundance of caution for the health and wellbeing of the public and library staff, the Library has recently made changes to its screening process to align with other municipal site in Woodstock. All persons entering the building will be asked a series of screening questions provided by Southwest Public Health. Persons may be asked to access library services remotely if they do not meet the screening requirements. We thank you in advance for your patience as we navigate through this phase of our reopening plan. Please visit our Browse, Borrow, & Go page here for further information on accessing library services.
September 11, 2020
Recent studies on COVI-19 and library materials have resulted in changes to the quarantining timeline for returned items. Effective immediately, all library returns will be quarantined for one week to ensure the safety of staff and the public, before they are checked-in. Please contact the library at 519-539-4801 if you have questions about your library account.
July 31, 2020: Face Coverings in the Library
As per the directive from the Medical Officer of Health, face coverings are now mandatory while visiting the library, unless exempted. Click here for more information on this directive from Southwestern Public Health. Click here for more information on our Browse, Borrow, & Go Library Service.
July 22, 2020: Announcing Browse, Borrow & Go Library Service
On Monday July 13th, Premier Ford announced the implementation of Stage 3 of the government’s pandemic recovery plan to re-open the province.
The Woodstock Public Library has been planning for this eventuality. Beginning on Wednesday July 29th, the Library will once again invite the community into the building and offer a “browse-borrow-and-go” service model. The re-opening will comply with the restrictions identified by the Province to ensure the safety of our patrons and staff.
Once the Library re-opens, there will be a limit on the number of patrons allowed in the building at a time. Social distancing will be required on library premises, and as a courtesy to other patrons and library staff, patrons will be requested to wear a face covering while in the building.
The Library will continue to quarantine returned items, and some areas of the building will be restricted to staff only. Given the capacity restrictions, our public seating, study carrels and public internet computers won’t be available at this time. The Library will continue to offer items on holds for pick-up within the lobby of the building.
For more information, please contact the Woodstock Public Library at 519-539-4801 or at https://www.mywpl.ca/browse-borrow-go
July 15, 2020: Update from the Library CEO
To our Patrons,
As the Province enters into Stage 3 of re-opening, Woodstock Public Library has decided not to re-open the library building until we are confident we can provide a safe and efficient library service for both patrons and staff.
We are working hard on a re-opening plan that meets both provincial and local health guidelines, and we look forward to sharing this information with you soon.
In the meantime, we will continue to offer our popular curbside hold pick-up service for library materials.
Please continue to monitor our website where we will share updates as they become available.
Thank you for your patience, and we look forward to welcoming you again as soon as we are able to do so safely!
David Harvie
Library CEO
June 19, 2020: Enhanced Curbside Pickup Service
Starting Tuesday, June 23rd, patrons will be able to pick up library holds during pre-scheduled pickup times as well as during drop in pickup hours. Hold notification emails will resume on Monday, June 22nd. Please see our curbside pickup information for more details.
June 10, 2020: Update from the Library C.E.O
On the afternoon of Monday June 8th, the Province released Stage 2 of its plan for re-opening Ontario. This plan features the conditions and restrictions for the re-opening of public libraries buildings starting Friday, June 12th.
Woodstock Public Library has reviewed the new conditions and restrictions in relationship to the library’s pandemic recovery plan and our current curb-side pick-up service. Curb-side pick-up at the Library has been very successful to date. In the past two weeks, there were 393 pick-ups, representing 3,480 items, and numerous positive comments from patrons.
Due to a number of factors, the Library feels that re-opening the building to the public is premature and will not improve our current service to the community. Therefore, the Woodstock Public Library will not be re-opening to the public this Friday, or in the near future, until we can provide an effective and efficient library service within the provincial restrictions, that is safe for both patrons and staff.
In the meantime, the Library will continue to fine-tune and expand our curb-side pick-up service. Patrons can place holds on items via our online catalogue at www.mywpl.ca or via telephone at 519-539-4801. Once a “browse and go” model is adopted for public libraries by the Province, the Woodstock Public Library will implement the appropriate next phase of our pandemic recovery plan, and open the building to the public.
Things change very quickly, so the Library will remain flexible, and ready to meet the challenges still before us.
Sincerely,
David Harvie
Library CEO
May 26, 2020: Curbside Pickup and Holds
Curbside pickup of Library holds has begun! Please click here for more information on this service.
New holds can now be places on library materials. Information on how to place holds can be found here.
Please note that the library building remains closed to the public.
Please continue to monitor the Library's website and social media channels for up-to-date service announcments, as well as to access our ongoing digital programs and events.
May 21, 2020: Pandemic Recovery Plan, Update to Curbside Pickup Service
The Library is in the early stages of implementing our curbside pickup service. Full details on this service can be found here. Please note that while the return chute is now open, and this new service is being implemented, the library building remains closed to the public.
Curbside Pickup marks the first phase of the Library's Pandemic Recovery Plan. Details on this multi-phase plan can be found here.
Please continue to monitor the Library's website and social media channels for up-to-date service announcments, as well as to access our ongoing digital programs and events.
May 15, 2020: Curbside Pickup Service Announcement
Yesterday, May 14, 2020, the Provincial government announced the loosening of restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Included in this list is curbside pickup services for libraries. At this time Woodstock Public Library is diligently working on our curbside delivery service model, processing our backlog of holds, and bringing our staff back into the building in a safe manner.
Further announcements regarding our new curbside delivery service, returning materials to the library, and opening up our systems for new holds will be provided early next week via the website and on social media. We look forward to continuing to serve our community in safe and effective manner.
As we work towards restoring our in-person services, we encourage everyone to continue accessing our digital programs and events available through our website and on social media.
May 11, 2020
The Woodstock Public Library continues to closely monitor decisions around public library service by the provincial government and local public health officials.
The Library has developed a pandemic recovery plan that provides an incremental returned to full library services based on provincial directions and health protocols. We look forward to welcoming everyone back into our building as soon as we are permitted, in a manner that protects the safety of our community and our staff. Once we have more information on when this may be possible, we will share it on our website, social media channels, and local media.
In the meantime, our librarians have been busy launching a number of new digital initiatives that can be found on our website, Facebook and YouTube. Be sure to check them out!
If you have any questions, please contact the Library via phone at 519-539-4801 or via email on our comments page on our website.
Stay health and safe!
David Harvie Library CEO
April 9, 2020
The Library continues to respond to the evolving pandemic situation. As of today, all programs scheduled before June 15 have been cancelled or postponed, aligning with the City of Woodstock programs and events. In response to demand from our community, we have launched a temporary eCard initiative, allowing residents to apply for a library card online. More details on this initiative can be found here. Please call the library at 519-539-4801 if you have questions about new or existing library accounts or our eResources, Mon-Fri, 10-5, excluding holidays.
April 1, 2020
The Library continues to look to the provincial government for guidance during the pandemic. As of today, the library will be closed until further notice. Additionally, placing holds on physical materials has been disabled. Holds on our digital collections are still available. All materials originally due on or after March 1, 2020 have been automatically extended until June 1, 2020. Please note that all programs scheduled before May 4, 2020 have been cancelled. Please call the library at 519-539-4801 if you have questions about your account or our eResources during normal business hours, Mon-Fri, 9-5.
March 19, 2020
As of today, the library book return has been closed. Please hold on to Library materials until we reopen. All items due during our closure period have been automatically extended to April 16. Please call the library if you have questions about your library account: 519-539-4801. As always, your library card provides access to a great variety of eBooks, eAudiobooks, movies, music, and digital magazines, all free!
March 15, 2020
Message from the Library CEO concerning COVID-19 impacts to the Woodstock Public Library March 15, 2020
Over the past week, Woodstock Public Library (WPL) has been working alongside our City partners to closely monitor developments and information about the coronavirus (COVID-19). Based on direction from the City, and care and concern for our staff, our customers and the public, we will be closing the Woodstock Public Library to the public effective today, Sunday March 15 at 5:00 p.m. We will reopen the Library on Monday, April 6. All library programs, events and room rentals will be cancelled. We will continue to monitor the situation and evaluate whether this date will need to be extended.
I want to assure you that we have not taken this decision lightly. Ensuring the health and well-being of our communities, and the safety of our customers and staff is – and always must be – our top priority.
During this temporary closure, we are taking several steps to support you as much as possible:
• If you have books currently on loan, please hold onto them. Due dates for all items will be reset to April 16 so that they won’t incur late fees during this time. As well, any outstanding library fines will not accumulate while the Library is closed.
• If you have holds, they will be waiting for you when the Library reopens.
• All of our online resources will still be available, 24/7 and can be accessed remotely using your library card. Visit mywpl.ca to download e-books, e-audiobooks, and magazines, stream movies and music and use our online resources.
• If you have a question, please call the Library at 519-539-4801 during normal office hours Monday to Friday.
As you know, this is a constantly and rapidly evolving situation. We will continue to work closely with City and health officials, and are committed to keeping you up-to-date as things evolve and change. In the meantime, we encourage you to stay informed about COVID-19 by referring to credible sources of information.
Thank you for your support, understanding and patience during this difficult time.
David I. Harvie Library CEO
March 13, 2020
Working closely with our City partners, Woodstock Public Library (WPL) is closely monitoring information about the coronavirus (COVID-19) and has developed a plan based on the recommendations of city, provincial and federal health officials to ensure every precaution is taken to keep customers and staff healthy and safe.
This is an evolving situation and as a result we do not have all the answers. Here are some important updates based on current information; we will continue to keep you informed as facts are confirmed and plans evolve.
Library facilities:
To minimize the risk of spreading the virus in our library branches and facilities, we have enhanced our cleaning and disinfecting measures by placing additional antibacterial solution dispensers in public areas; and increasing the scope of cleaning to include all public computers, keyboards, mice, etc. Current cleaning includes the cleaning and disinfecting of heavily touched surfaces of public and administration areas.
Library programs and events:
Currently, all WPL locations remain open, and programs and services are continuing as planned, but we are assessing the situation as events rapidly evolve. In some cases, programs have been cancelled or rescheduled due to COVID-19 related travel restrictions impacting our presenters. Given the nature of the situation, we are advising you to check that status of library programs and events on our website or by calling the Library at 519-539-4801 to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.
If you are unable to visit the library in person, please note that our digital services are always available on our website. For help using any of these services, call the Library at 519-539-4801.
While there is no community transmission at the moment, we are planning for a future when this might change. The Library will continue to work with City and health officials and will take additional steps as needed. Check mywpl.ca for regular updates or contact the Library. In the meantime, please stay informed about COVID-19 by referring to credible sources of information, such as Southwestern Public Health.
And remember that one of the best ways to prevent the spread of viral illness is to limit contact and practice good health hygiene as recommended by local health authorities:
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
• If you don't have a tissue, sneeze or cough in your sleeve.
• Stay at home when you are sick.
For more information contact the Library CEO at 519-539-4801 ext. 3000
David I. Harvie
Library CEO