The procedure is different, but the end result is the same!
You may place your material order: by placing a hold through our catalogue (under eLibrary on our website), by phone at 613 332-3380, or by email at nhpl.customerservice@gmail.com.
Staff will complete your order and and arrange a time for curbside pickup. Sorry, NO drop-ins or door service. You must prearrange pick-up time. Your materials will be waiting for you, on our table at the library’s front entrance, at the designated pick-up time. There will be time in between each pick-up, to allow staff to clean between each appointment. We must adhere to the government’s standards for social distancing for your safety and ours.
Trustees and staff were excited to hear that curbside service would be permitted for libraries. We honestly expected to be in one of the later phases due to our materials are returned for re-use, while most retail stores are not currently accepting returns. What that does mean though, is that there will be a slower turn-around on returning materials, as we will be quarantining them for 72 hours. For you, that means that the item might be listed as available on our electronic catalogue (under eLibrary on our website), but it may actually be in quarantine, waiting to be safely returned to our lending collection. Patience please!
Lending periods will be the same as before our closure. Due to the addition of quarantine time, please refrain from renewing materials, if possible. Our 7 day loan materials (DVDs, Magazines and New Books) will not be renewable. Staff is working on Readers’ Advisory list to help you find your next great read, and will be available by phone or email to help with your questions and concerns.
So yes, the procedure is different, but you still end up with the opportunity to take home something.
As a final note, I will mention that the staff are also getting used to the new system and they did not create the current challenges. We are in this together, so please – be understanding, be patient and be kind…this is the first of many changes, and we are doing our best to accommodate you and keep everyone happy. Welcome Back!
