All branches of the Lakeland Library Region remain closed to the public due to COVID-19, though some services are now available.
That includes branches in North Battleford, Battleford, Meadow Lake and elsewhere which have been closed since March 20. Technically, libraries were allowed to reopen as of June 29 under Phase Four Part Two of Re-Open Saskatchewan, but in a message on Lakeland’s website the region explains their branches are not open yet.
“Although we are allowed to re-open, we are still waiting to receive all of the necessary supplies needed to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our staff and patrons. Therefore no branches are scheduled to open to the public on June 29th.”
According to a post on their Facebook page, North Battleford library also states they are is waiting to receive all the supplies needed to ensure staff and patron safety. They have, however, been conducting curbside road pickups and that started on July 6. This is by appointment only.
As for late fees, those have been set aside during the pandemic. According to their website, Lakeland Library region is waiving all late fees that accumulate effective March 13. Those unable to return materials will not be fined and those individuals are urged to keep those items at home for now. Due dates have been extended for checked out items.
Book drops are gradually being reopened throughout the region. The outside drop box is open for library items return as of June 23 at these locations: Meadow Lake, North Battleford, Lloydminster, Battleford, Neilburg, St. Walburg, Paynton, Marshall, Lashburn, Rabbit Lake, Maidstone, Marsden, Denzil, Meota, Pierceland, Goodsoil, Borden, Maymont and Paradise Hill.
Also, the time that holds will wait on hold shelves until they can be picked up has been extended. Patrons are being encouraged to use digital library resources which are available.
People are being encouraged to delay returning materials at the present time until more book drops reopen.
Materials checked out before the closures are due as of July 15, but no late fees are charged until further notice.
Regarding the curbside pickup service, Lakeland Library Region has announced that is being offered at these branches:
North Battleford, Meadow Lake, Lloydminster, Battleford, Neilburg, Paradise Hill, St. Walburg, Maidstone, Makwa, Rabbit Lake, Loon Lake, Mayfair, Turtleford, Speers, Edam, Cut Knife, Marsden, Glaslyn, Meota, Hafford, Borden, Radisson, Maymont,Lashburn, Macklin, Pierceland, Goodsoil, Paynton, Marshall, Denzil and Medstead.
To use curbside pickup, users can place holds on Lakeland Library items using the online catalog, the Saskatchewan Information Library Services app or by contacting their local library. Users can then wait to receive notifications indicating holds can be picked up, and can then contact the library to schedule a pickup time.
Users then arrive at the library at the designated time, call the library to let them know of their arrival, and then staff will put items into a clean bag and place items in the labelled pick up area, after which the items can be picked up.
