With the announcement of an Emergency Brake by the Province of Ontario, the Owen Sound & North Grey Union Public Library building will be closed to the public, until further notice. Pickup services will be offered during this time.

Recognizing that community members may need access to computers during the lockdown, the library is offering limited computer bookings during this time. Libraries are allowed to provide access to computers while in the “Grey Zone”. Time is limited to ½ hour per day, during the hours listed below. Bookings should be made in advance by calling 519-376-6623 ext. 5.

Library cardholders will be able to place holds for books, DVDs, audiobooks and magazines on the Library website www.owensound.library.on.ca, by emailing [email protected] or by phoning 519-376-6623 ext. 5. Cardholders will be notified when their holds are available for pick up by email or phone.

Once notified that holds are available, cardholders may visit the Library to retrieve their items during the following hours: Tuesday, 12:00-8:00 pm, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 12:00-5:00 pm and Saturday, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. To collect your hold, ring the buzzer on the table outside and give your name to the Library staff member. They will retrieve your hold from inside the building. Masks are required to pick up holds. Returns can be made to the outside book drop. Returned items are now being quarantined for a minimum of 2 days. During this time the Library is not charging overdue fines.

The Library continues to offer additional programs for patrons. Beyond the regular items you would expect to borrow, patrons have access to Chromebooks, virtual story times on the Library’s Facebook page, as well as craft kits for children, teens and adults. Learn more on the Library website or look for the Library’s monthly newsletter.

Online library services continue to be offered 24/7. Cardholders can access Libby to download e-books, e-audiobooks and e-magazines. Members can also access thousands of international magazines and newspapers using PressReader. Another new service available is Linked-in Learning, formerly Lynda.com with thousands of online courses. Visit the Library website and click on the Online Resources button.

source: media release, Owen Sound & North Grey Union Public Library