Greater Sudbury Public Library Begins Curbside Pickup of Previously Reserved Items

The Greater Sudbury Public Library is preparing for a gradual restart of its services as part of the provincial reopening plan. Curbside pickup of items placed on hold prior to the closure of library branches will be available by appointment beginning Tuesday, June 9, 2020. The City is currently evaluating today’s provincial announcement regarding regional reopening and will issue further updates to library and other municipal services.

The Greater Sudbury Public Library will contact residents who placed a hold on books, magazines, DVDs and other library materials prior to March 16, 2020. Scheduled pickups will be available at six branches: Chelmsford, Lively, Main, New Sudbury, South End and Valley East. Items placed on hold from additional branches in the community will be available for pickup at these locations.

“Libraries are at the heart of our community and I am very pleased to announce the first step to restart our regular services,” said Greater Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger. “The Greater Sudbury Public Library has done a tremendous job expanding its online offerings since we closed our public buildings. I want to personally thank our library staff, who during these difficult times have stepped up to help out most critical areas, such as paramedic services, transit and Pioneer Manor. Your dedication to supporting the greater good of this community is an example to all.”

Staff will work through the accumulation of existing holds, and new pick-ups at the six branches is anticipated to begin on the week of June 15.  Information about how to place new holds on materials for pickup will be provided to the public once final. During normal operations, the library processes hundreds of requests each day from the one million titles in its collection.

 “As our community continues to work through the challenges and changes that COVID 19 has brought, the Greater Sudbury Public Library has been anxious to provide curbside pickup services to our residents,” said Greater Sudbury Public Library Board Chair Michael Bellmore. “Our dedicated staff has worked diligently to ensure that we follow appropriate guidelines to create a safe environment. I encourage everyone to explore all that your library can offer even during these unprecedented times.”

Drop boxes for returns will reopen at the six branches. Late fees remain waived until further notice. Residents picking up items on hold by appointment have the option of returning borrowed materials at the time of their appointment.

All returned items will be quarantined for 72 hours. While library staff will wear personal protective equipment while handling materials for loan, residents should follow public health guidelines regarding retail pickup: https://www.phsd.ca/health-topics-programs/diseases-infections/coronavirus/shopping-takeout-and-support-services-covid-19.

More information about curbside pickup of library materials, online library collections and educational activities is available at www.sudburylibraries.ca/covid-19-update.

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