Phase 5 Service Announcement

On Monday, October 4th, Eastern Counties Regional Library’s service locations will move into Phase 5 as part of the provincial reopening plan. 

Eastern Counties Regional Library (ECRL) remains committed to providing safe access to library service for the public and providing a safe and healthy workplace for employees. As we have throughout the pandemic, ECRL will be following public health direction and aligning work practices and operations with the level of risk as described by Public Health.

In Phase 5, the following will be in effect:

• At this time, masks continue to be mandatory in all indoor public places, including libraries.
• Proof of vaccination will not be required for general access to libraries to do things such as borrow books and use computers.
• Proof of vaccination will need to be shown for those 12 and older to participate in library programs or use library meeting rooms.
• Hand sanitizer will continue to be provided in all library locations.
• Do not enter the library if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or if you are required to self-isolate for any reason.
• Social distancing will no longer be required.
• The capacity of library spaces will take into account informal gathering limits and occupant load standards and will be posted publicly in each library location.
• Library staff will clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces at least once during their shift, including door handles, table tops, light switches, and toilets.

ECRL recognizes that staff and members of the public may prefer to keep a safe distance from other library users. 

• When replacing furniture and/or public access computers, care will be taken to continue offering seating options that allow comfortable distance to be maintained from other library users. 
• Contactless checkout (with Bluetooth operated barcode scanner and receipt printer) will be left in place and this will continue to be the default checkout method.

Indoor programming may resume, subject to library staff availability. Where available, public booking of meeting rooms may resume. Parties booking meeting rooms must agree to conditions of use and must not exceed meeting room capacity.

Public access to the library in Mabou remains unavailable due to a facility issue, but Curbside Pickup service remains available. Curbside Pickup service is also available in Mulgrave.

All library locations will continue to offer a Curbside Pickup or Library Takeout service. Borrow by Mail and digital library services continue to be available to everyone in the ECRL service area. 

As public health protocols can evolve quickly, please stay up to date on services offered at ECRL by visiting ecrl.ca often, or by following ECRL on social media: facebook.com/ECRLibrary | twitter.com/ecrlibrary.