Vaughan Public Libraries cancels in-library programs until 2021
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City taking further action to keep citizens safe
The following is a statement by Vaughan Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua:
“The City of Vaughan is taking further action to keep citizens safe and to stop the spread of COVID-19. As part of our ongoing response efforts, Vaughan Public Libraries (VPL) has cancelled all in-library programs until January 2021. This announcement marks the latest in a series of measures for the community to emerge stronger during the global pandemic.
“Despite the uncertainty felt around the world, the City of Vaughan is moving ahead with great certainty. Departments continue to innovate. Services are being delivered. City-building continues. The library is a testament to the resiliency and resourcefulness of our efforts.
“VPL maintains an extensive and growing digital collection of books, resources and online programming. You can read more than 4,000 full-content newspapers from 100 countries in 60 languages. Access more than 30,000 critically acclaimed films. Stream over 150,000 albums of classical, opera, jazz and world music, all from the comfort of your home. The number of people registering for a library card online is up by a remarkable 135 per cent, compared to last year.
“VPL recently became the first library service in Ontario to offer curbside pickup for residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 1,100 requests have been received to date with 4,300 items borrowed through this service. Vaughan citizens currently have over 130,000 library items on loan.
“It has now been 10 weeks since Vaughan became the first city in Ontario to declare a state of emergency. On March 25, Vaughan led the way by closing all facilities within City parks to the public. This early measure has been a central part of our efforts to keep citizens and staff safe and healthy. Although the provincial government is allowing for some facilities in parks to reopen, the City has chosen to keep these facilities closed until further notice.
“We are all eager to open our community and economy, but it must be done cautiously and responsibly. For those critical decisions, we rely upon the advice of our medical health experts to guide our community's well-being.
“In January, the City's Emergency Operations Centre began monitoring the emerging COVID-19 situation. That was a month and a half before the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. On Feb. 1, the Emergency Operations Centre enhanced its operations, communications and analysis of the COVID-19 challenge.
“We were alert. Ready to act. Our administration increased the cleaning and disinfecting of public buildings and facilities, including community and fitness centres. Additional hand sanitizers and disinfectant wipes were distributed. Public notices were issued. People were asked to do their part – to wash their hands – and to disinfect.
“On March 13, we activated the Emergency Management Plan. With families preparing for March Break, we made the difficult – but necessary – decision to cancel all City and VPL March Break camps and daycare programming, and to close these facilities to the public.
“We were equally mindful of the health and well-being of our employees, or as we call them, the Guardians of our Government. Staff were provided with fulsome answers about what to do if they felt unwell or concerned about what was unfolding.
“As this international crisis deepened – after having analyzed and studied the trends, figures, statistics, scientific evidence and potential danger COVID-19 posed to safety of our citizens, on March 17, I declared a state of emergency. This declaration signaled that we would take every possible step to break the chain of transmission of COVID-19. The following day, Vaughan City Hall and all other City facilities were closed to the public. The closures are in place until further notice.
“We are in a marathon, not a sprint. We need to continue to work together, be responsible and do everything we can to eliminate COVID-19. By using our common sense and making intelligent choices, we can control the spread of this virus and flatten the curve.
“My message remains unequivocal. We are all in this together and we will emerge stronger.”
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