UPDATE – The Thompson-Nicola Regional District is closing all library locations beginning tomorrow, March 17.
CAO Randy Diehl says Monday is the last day for people to pick up items on hold or borrow any new items until the libraries reopen. In addition to the libraries, the Avola School House, Little Fort, and Vavenby Community Halls will all be shut down after this evening.
“We’ve made these decision to support the overall health and wellness of our communities and for the safety of our customers and staff,” Diehl added. “Closing these public spaces is the responsible thing to do, and the best way to serve our patrons right now is to help minimize the spread of COVID-19.”
While the library is closed, Diehl says all book drops will be closed during this time, and all due dates will be extended until Tuesday, April 29. Fines, he says, will be waived while the library is closed.
“All of our digital content, including eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, video streaming, eLearning, is available 24/7 online,” noted Diehl.
The announcement was made less than two hours after Kamloops Mayor Ken Christian said the city is closing public facilities, and that he would ask the TNRD to look into closing libraries and the art gallery to help curb the spread of the virus.
ORIGINAL – As it stands, libraries across the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) will stay open amid COVID-19 concerns.
However, the TNRD will be temporarily suspending the Reader’s Home Services and public computer access in all branches.
“These decisions were made to help prevent the potential spread of COVID-19 to residents who are at high-risk for severe illness from the virus, and to limit the transmission from contaminated surfaces,” said a statement from the TNRD.
People who are sick are asked to stay home, and people who are symptomatic will be asked to leave the library. For people unable to head to one of the branches, the TNRD says the digital library services are available to all members.
If needed, additional steps will be taken, according to the TNRD statement.
