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Vaughan Public Libraries set to reopen resource branches on Sept. 8
As part of Vaughan Public Libraries’ (VPL) continued efforts to provide services to customers throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, it will reopen its three resource library branches – Bathurst Clark Resource Library, Civic Centre Resource Library and Pierre Berton Resource Library – on Tuesday, Sept. 8 with regular hours, amended services and safety procedures in place.
VPL will be implementing changes to safeguard the health of staff and customers. In accordance with York Region Public Health, anyone entering the library will be required to wear a face mask and maintain a physical distance of two metres (six feet) from others. The building capacity has also been reduced and visits will be limited to one hour. Anyone feeling unwell should not visit the library, and can use various services online at vaughanpl.info/reopening.
All other library branches will remain closed until further notice.
Although VPL has cancelled all in-library programs until January 2021 in response to COVID-19, its online programming continues to grow and evolve to meet the needs of users.
Curbside pickup
Customers can still take advantage of VPL’s curbside pickup program at the branches that remain closed. The curbside program will discontinue at the three resource library branches opening on Tuesday, Sept. 8. Staff will be stationed at these doors to assist in picking up holds for those who do not wish to enter the building.
VPL was the first public library system in Ontario to offer curbside pickup and has recently made access to the service even easier by removing the requirement to book an appointment to collect an order. When holds are ready, the customer receives an email notification that includes the curbside service hours for the selected library location. To request an item, visit vaughanpl.info/curbside.
Web hub
VPL offers a fully digital public library service to engage and educate residents of all ages. The new web hub features a variety of free online resources, including eBooks and audiobooks, films and television programs, music streaming services, e-learning courses, bilingual materials and more. Additional content, such as virtual story time, is available on VPL’s Instagram.
Fine-free
VPL also made the decision to eliminate overdue fines (PDF), which were charged for the late return of library materials. No future overdue fines will be applied and all overdue fines currently on record will be forgiven.
Wi-Fi
VPL has extended its Wi-Fi at the Civic Centre Resource Library, Pierre Berton Resource Library and Bathurst Clark Resource Library branches to reach the parking lot. This allows those who need it to connect to Wi-Fi from the comfort of their car for free.
Ask Us
The team has launched an online service to support its customers remotely. Ask Us is a virtual reference desk supported by more than 20 VPL staff who can help with customer inquiries by phone, email and social media. There are three ways to Ask Us:
- by phone at 905-653-READ (7323)
- on Facebook Messenger, Twitter and Instagram
- by email through an online form
VPL offers a wealth of resources, including eBooks, audiobooks, online learning, movies and more – all of which can be accessed and enjoyed from the comfort of home.
The following online services are available to citizens practising physical distancing:
eBooks and audiobooks
VPL provides customers with free access to a number of digital platforms, including Hoopla, Overdrive and Tumblebooks. Adults, teens and kids will find something they love, allowing them to bring a little piece of the library home without leaving the house. Titles include novels, animated picture books, non-fiction, graphic novels and more. Audiobooks can be played on a smartphone, computer or smart TV.
Films and television
Residents can borrow free digital videos with a library card. Gain access to Hoopla titles – available for instant streaming or temporary download – and watch on a smartphone, tablet or computer. VPL also provides access to Kanopy, which offers more than 30,000 critically acclaimed films. The selection ranges from new popular titles and classics, to world cinema and art and indie as well as top-rated documentaries.
Music
Stream more than 150,000 albums of classical, opera, jazz and world music with Naxos Music Library. Use a library card and PIN and start streaming today for free.
Online learning
Lynda.com gives users free access to thousands of video tutorial courses with a focus on such areas as technology, software development, business skills, project management as well as creative skills like animation and video editing. The courses are taught by recognized industry experts who guide participants along in learning the skills for personal and professional development. Also available is Transparent Language – a fun way to learn a new language. The app aims to lock words and phrases into participants’ memories so they can recall them perfectly.
Newspapers
For customers who want to read newspapers in languages other than English and French, VPL provides access to Press Reader, a database which allows customers to access more than 4,000 newspapers from 100 countries in 60 languages.
French offerings
Through Cantook Station, customers have access to nearly 7,000 eBooks in this collection and 39 audiobooks. VPL customers can check out up to seven eBooks at a time and have up to three on hold.
Three times a week, VPL French-language specialists provide video content through social media. On Tuesdays, there are French-language activities for school-aged children. On Thursdays, staff offer tips on how to access French-language eBooks, audiobooks and videos at home. On Saturdays, there is story time in French for preschool children.
Every other Thursday, VPL hosts an online French Meet Up through Zoom. Each meeting will provide a theme for discussion. This is open to people of all ages and provides an opportunity to practise speaking French.
Databases
Whether a customer is doing research for a business or academic project or is interested in expanding their knowledge, VPL has a database that can help. For example, World Book Online for Kids brings the classic encyclopedia set into the home.
Temporary library cards
Customers need a library card to access these services, and can obtain a temporary digital card for free by visiting vaughanpl.info/Services/Membership and clicking on ‘Apply Now.’ This will deliver a library card number to the email address provided in the application form. Any customers receiving an error can reach out to VPL through this contact us form and staff will work to resolve the issue.
Stay informed
VPL's mobile app is available to download from Apple App Store and Google Play.
Visit vaughanpl.info and follow VPL on social media, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
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