Calgary just reopened a number of libraries throughout the city

The world is slowly but surely opening back up in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Movie theatres, team sports, pools, casinos, and much more throughout Alberta reopened with the province entering Stage 2 of its relaunch strategy on June 12.

This stage included libraries being allowed to reopen — with physical distancing measures in place, of course — though Calgary Public Library elected to take a more measured approach.

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According to CPL’s website, only a handful of the city’s libraries reopened in June, and a few more as of Tuesday, July 7, to act as a pilot for the rest of its locations.

Forest Lawn, Crowfoot, and Fish Creek reopened on June 23, Central, Giuffre Family, and Signal Hill reopened on June 30, and Bowness, Country Hills, Memorial Park, Nicholls Family, Nose Hill, Louise Riley, Sage Hill, Southwood, and Judith Umbach libraries reopened on July 7. 

Those that have reopened are operating under limited hours and capacity, with public health protocols in place.

Once these pilot reopenings prove successful, more locations will be opened throughout the following weeks.

“The Library will provide regular updates on which locations are open and what services are available,” the website states.

And while it might be another few weeks before you can enjoy a good novel while posted up at your local library, Calgarians can still access CPL’s digital library which includes audiobooks, eBooks, movies, online courses, and more.

CPL has also launched a Curbside Holds Service, which allows for contactless curbside pick-up of holds at most locations.

More information on the service can be found in the video below: