Two of the three Nanaimo branches of the Vancouver Island Regional Library have re-opened with a new take out service. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

PHASED RE-OPEN

Libraries move towards re-opening as community support groups adjust without valuable public space

Jun 14, 2020 | 8:02 AM

NANAIMO — Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) branches across the Island are taking another step forward to re-opening their doors.

The library closed all 39 of their branches on March 16 in response to the growing COVID-19 pandemic.

The closure shuttered access to more than just books, it also removed access to well-used community spaces for local support groups.

Deborah Hollins, executive director for Nanaimo Family Life Association told NanaimoNewsNOW they used Nanaimo branches for meeting and programming with isolated, often marginalized seniors in the community.

“Being able to go and talk to a volunteer in the library about what resources are available for older adults around housing, mental health and wellness or socializing is really invaluable to us,” Hollins said.

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During the pandemic, the association adjusted their programming to offer increased meal prep services and grocery delivery.

As the library and the province move through phased re-opening plans, Hollins said they’re eager to return.

“Having locations within the community where they can access and don’t have to figure out ways of transporting themselves to us…allows us to do outreach in sectors of the community that normally may not get that service,” Hollins said.

VIRL ramped up re-opening plans beginning early June with a take-out style service. allowing members to reserve books online or over the phone and then pick-up in person.

Two of the three Nanaimo branches had begun offering this service by Saturday, June 13. Wellington branch at Country Club Centre will open soon, according to the VIRL website.

David Carson, director of corporate communications at VIRL said their eLibrary has been immensely popular during the forced closure.

“With the onset of COVID, that took centre stage and for the last few months we’ve seen huge spikes of people accessing our e-Library for ebooks, audio books, streaming content,” Carson said.

He added there is no firm timeline for a re-opening of branches, even in a limited capacity as VIRL moves through a phased re-opening plan.

“People might be able to come in for a short period of time to use a public computer on appointment, we’re still looking at what that would look like. The key is we do it safely in accordance with best practices,” Carson said.

alex.rawnsley@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alexrawnsley