Norfolk County library closes due to COVID-19 concerns
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The Norfolk County Public Library will be closed until April 5 as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Library officials announced the closure on Saturday.
“We did not arrive at this decision lightly,” library CEO Heather King said. “After discussing the situation with our Medical Officer of Health an, Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit, county officials and the library board, we decided that as a public service where people regularly gather, it was in the best interests of the community to temporarily close.”
Late fees will not be charged during the time the library is closed and reserved items will be available when the library reopens. All drop boxes except the Port Dover branch, will be open to return borrowed books.
Those who have booked appointments at the library including the free income tax clinics will be re-booked at a later date.
Meanwhile, March break activities that required a registration fee will be rescheduled and those who have booked a library branch for meetings will be contacted to make future arrangements.
Library staff will still be working and phone lines will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. Staff will be working on projects that will ensure all branches of the library are ready for reopening.
Residents with a valid library card can still access the library’s online resources through ncpl.ca.
“It is important at this time that everyone look out for each other,” King said. “Stay home if you’re feeling ill, wash your hands thoroughly, don’t touch your face with unwashed hands and remain calm and positive.
“The library will continue to serve the community as best as it can during this situation,” she said.
Norfolk residents can learn more about the coronavirus by visiting the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit website at https://hnhu.org/health-topic/coronavirus-covid-19/ .
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