CONSTACE BAY –   Constance Bay bookworms rejoice, your library re-opens March 8.

“Starting Monday, March 8, Ottawa Public Library (OPL) branches in Constance Bay, Munster, and Osgoode will reopen to the public,” the OPL released in a statement today (March 1). “Customers will be able to enter the branch to pick up holds and drop off returns, as well as to browse the collections and use a public computer.”

Branch capacity will be limited due to provincial regulations, and masks must be worn both inside the branches and in line-ups outside. The branch can be found inside the NorthWind Wireless Fibre Centre on Len Purcell Drive.

“The hours of operation have been modified slightly from before the pandemic,” the OPL said. “Library customers are encouraged to check OPL’s Hours and Location webpage before visiting.”

Library materials can be returned at all open branches during hours of operation. Due to the 72-hour quarantine of all returned items and other modified processes for health and safety reasons, the book drops cannot currently be opened when the branches are closed. 

Fitzroy Harbour and Vernon branches remain closed.

“OPL is working to reopen these locations as soon as possible,” the OPL said. “OPL continues to follow direction from the Province of Ontario and guidance from Ottawa Public Health to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our community.”

West Carleton Online spoke with West Carleton’s new librarian Kristy Pedersen Ruel and OPL manager of Public Service West Branches Catherine Flegg today (March 1) for an interview with the community’s new librarian.

Flegg spoke briefly about the Fitzroy Harbour branch.

“It’s a very small branch, so the closure is due to capacity,” Flegg told West Carleton Online. “We hope to get it open soon.”

West Carleton Online will have the rest of that interview with the new librarian later this week.

For additional details on current services, please visit BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca.