The Mary C. Moore Public Library will be opening on July 2, 2020 after being closed for nearly three months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The library will be seeking feedback on their operations in the coming weeks to suit the needs of the public. 

“From July 2nd to July 16th we’re going to be looking for feedback. Are the hours suitable and meeting the needs of the community? Is there more of a demand based on having this many computers? Will we need to have increased hours in order for people to get their one hour in? One of the restrictions is one hour per day per person for public computer use. It is very difficult because we’ve always had open computer use,” said Head Librarian, Christina Petrisor.

The librarian is asking those who want to make use of the public computers to call ahead and let them know when they would like to book their hour of computer time. Printing, scanning, email, faxing, and photocopying, services will be available.

“We’ll have one spot open that will be for quick print jobs if you need to walk in and print something very quickly. We’ll be able to get you in and out,” said Petrisor. 

If library users are still concerned about going in public places, Petrisor wants people to know that their curbside service is still available as well as drop-offs, if needed.

“If you’re limited in the hours you can get here, and or you can’t get here, please call our line between 10AM-6PM. I do deliveries after work in the community to ensure that we can get the books into the hands of the people that need them,” added Petrisor.  

Browsing is not yet available but library staff will be happy to suggest books or help you find one to suit your needs. Petrisor believes it won’t be too long before people can browse the shelves once again. 

“After the first two weeks, with the feedback we receive, and if there is no uptake in COVID-19 cases in Central Alberta, we are going to continue to add more and more services within the confines of the protocols of the Government of Alberta,” added Petrisor. 

People and staff will be protected by plexiglass dividers. Additionally, three more library staff members are able to return to work for fulltime hours after temporary layoffs.  

In the last couple of weeks, Petrisor has seen wonderful support from the Lacombe community as the library encountered a couple of hurdles before opening. 

“I want to acknowledge the support of local business in Lacombe. Particularly Blindman Brewery for their donation of 20 litres of hand sanitizer. I want to recognize Lacombe Ford for having our back because our current supplier for the libraries is back-ordered for barriers, plexiglass, and different things. It has been exciting to see all of the positives of a difficult situation,” said Petrisor. 

The librarian is very excited to see people in her library once again. The library will be open from 12PM to 6PM from Monday to Friday.