Prince George Public Library phasing in services starting with curbside holds pickup

As part of B.C.’s restart plan, the Prince George Public Library (PGPL) has stepped forward in creating a plan to offer more in-person services starting today (May 14).

The PGPL has listed six phases in which it’ll ramp up some of its normal operations, which includes permit patrons returning borrowed items next week, as there are more than 21,000 materials on loan in the community, and curbside holds pickup beginning on May 25.

This approach is being applied to both of the facility’s branches downtown and in the Hart while maintaining safe social distancing as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

“Enhanced health and safety protocols are required to continue to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and this will impact how service is offered at library branches,” says PGPL Director Paul Burry in a news release. 

“The safety of our staff and community members is our first priority, so we are adopting a phased approach that gradually increases our service levels and allows us to review and revise safety measures as necessary.” 

Though the majority remains unknown, the six steps are detailed as follows:

PHASE ONE - In effect

• Permit patrons to return borrowed materials to the library
• Returns are currently being accepted at Bob Harkins Branch on Tuesdays and Wednesdays

PHASE TWO - May 25

• Resume lending of physical library materials via curbside holds pickup at both branches.

Patrons will be able to place holds through the online catalogue or by calling the library. To minimize the number of people gathering at pickup locations, patrons will be assigned a pickup timeslot for collecting their items.  

PHASE THREE - Unknown start date

• Limited access to Bob Harkins Branch for holds pickup service and computer/internet sessions.

PHASE FOUR - Unknown start date

• Reopen collection for patron browsing
• Sitting areas will be unavailable

PHASE FIVE - Unknown start date

• Resume in-person programs

PHASE SIX - Unknown start date

• Resume full access to library facilities, with physical distancing and other safety measures in effect

Items returned to the PGPL are set to be stored and isolated for four days before the public can check them out again.

The library is offering customer service by phone and email and is continuing to offer digital collections and virtual programs.

The PGPL has been closed since March 16 to account for physical distancing measures recommended by the B.C. government.