Lambton County Library Accepting Return of Library Materials While Preparing for Curbside Pickup

Wyoming, ON - Lambton County Library is finalizing its plans to offer contactless curbside pickup service in June, while all locations remain closed to the public under provincial order. The first step in returning to service delivery is to request that patrons return any outstanding library materials to drop boxes at any Lambton County Library location.

On March 17, all 25 Lambton County Library locations and Library Headquarters were closed to the public under provincial order in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Since that time, library patrons have been asked to hold on to their materials, with about 25,000 items currently out on loan in the community. Fines have not accumulated on materials and due dates were automatically extended.

"We are now asking library patrons to return their borrowed materials to their local library's drop box so we can take steps to prepare those materials for their return into regular circulation," said Andrew Meyer, General Manager, Cultural Services. "About half of Lambton County Library's workforce will soon be returning to work to deliver contactless curbside pickup service at our libraries, and the employees' first task will be to process these returns while the libraries remain closed and prepare to implement this new service."

Over the last several weeks, Lambton County Library has been actively working to prepare a plan that adjusts its operations to align with the province's gradual, phased approach to re-open services. Procedures are being finalized this week that provide guidelines for the new curbside pickup service and incorporate public health measures to protect the health and safety of patrons and employees. Supplies including personal protective equipment and signage will be delivered over the next two weeks. Lambton County Library expects to announce more details about its new contactless curbside pickup service by the end of May.

The County of Lambton's other cultural facilities, including the Judith and Norman Alix Art Gallery, Lambton Heritage Museum, Oil Museum of Canada National Historic Site, and the Lambton County Archives remain closed under provincial order.