Library Reopening Information

May 11, 2020

Dear Library Members,

The Provincial Government announced the Covid-19 re-launch strategy for Alberta on April 30th, 2020.  This strategy includes 3 stages for a phased re-opening of businesses and facilities, and many are eager to know when certain services like their community Library will reopen.

 We are hopeful that a timeline for this will be announced in the near future but we do not have an actual date for reopening the Canmore Library at this time.  What we can tell you that libraries are included in Stage 2 of the Alberta re-launch initiative. 

 However, as the Canmore Library is located within a Recreational Facility, which falls under Stage 3 of the re-launch strategy, the timing of our reopening will not only be contingent on the success of Stage 1, but also contingent upon the accessibility of Elevation Place.

When we do reopen, Library operations will look quite a bit different than they did prior to March 16th. It is not going to be business as usual but we are currently working on a reopening strategy in coordination with the Town of Canmore, Elevation Place and the Marigold Library System, that will enable us to provide some library services in a modified and safe environment for staff and the public as soon as possible once Stage 2 is announced. 

In the meantime, our many e-resources (e-books, e-audio books, downloadable music, full colour digital magazines etc.) continue to be available to you 24/7, and if you need a library membership you can apply online through our website or you can call the Library during a week day and speak with a staff person directly. 

You can continue to enjoy the library materials you currently have checked out and return them once we reopen. Rest assured that all due dates and items on hold have been extended until July 31st, and will be extended further if necessary.  Any memberships that are due to expire in May, June and July have been extended to August 1st, and there will be no overdue fines incurred during our closure. 

We look forward to welcoming our community back and will make an announcement as soon as we have further information about when the Library is ready to reopen.  Please follow our social media channels and check our website regularly for updates.

Wishing you all the best,

Michelle Preston

Library Director