Lindsay and Fenelon library branches to reopen

Starting Sept. 8 the Kawartha Lakes Public Library will begin offering in-branch service to the public at the Lindsay and Fenelon Falls branches.

While both Fenelon Falls and Bobcaygeon branches have very similar circulation numbers, according to Kawartha Lakes Library CEO, Jamie Anderson, “the deciding factor came down to size.”

“Fenelon Falls is in a larger building and we can safely accommodate more people in that facility,” he tells the Advocate.

Both Lindsay and Fenelon branches will have limited capacity to ensure safe social distancing and that proper levels of cleaning can be maintained. Once again you will be able to browse the shelves for new reading material and have access to computers, printing and photocopying. As well you will be able to pickup books that are requested online or over the telephone. The Lindsay and Fenelon Falls branches will be open Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Fenelon Falls branch can allow nine customers in at a time while Lindsay is allowing in 21 customers at a time, spread over the two floors.

“We have developed the safety protocols over the last several week for the re-opening and we took our time to make sure we have everything right to ensure everyone’s safety,” says Anderson, including having adequate cleaning supplies and protective barriers.

The CEO says they were getting questions on a daily basis on when would people be able to come back into the branches.

“Many people in our community rely on us for their entertainment and their computer access. I don’t feel we have rushed the re-opening and I hope this is part of our community helping to recover from the pandemic.”

For computer access, patrons will need to book a 45-minute session in advance. Book your session at Lindsay Branch by calling 705-324-9411 ext. 1269, or at Fenelon Falls Branch by calling 705-887-6300. The branches will start taking bookings on Sept. 4 for sessions beginning Sept. 8.

Pickup service will expand to include Coboconk and Dalton also starting the week of Sept. 8. When Little Britain and Dunsford re-open for pickup service later in September, then all 14 library branches will be open in at least a limited capacity.

Patrons will still be able to place holds on items using the library website at www.kawarthalakeslibrary.ca/catalogue or they can call 705-324-9411 ext. 1291 for assistance. People can request anything from our 14 branches, including: books, DVDs, audiobooks and magazines.

At this time in-library programming will not resume. However, the library’s virtual programming will continue with new online programs coming in the fall. Follow @kawarthalibrary on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to access these virtual programs.

All book returns are now open 24/7. If you are returning books at the same time as picking up new materials, we ask that you use the book returns as staff are not able to accept items at the door or the desk. For everyone’s health and safety, all returned material will be quarantined for 96 hours before it is checked in and processed.

All visitors to Lindsay and Fenelon are asked to self-screen for symptoms. Visitors are reminded that they are encouraged to wear a face covering in accordance with the Health Unit’s face mask order.

For more information and updates on all our services, please visit us at www.kawarthalakeslibrary.ca or call 705-324-9411, ext. 1291.