This morning, Toronto Public Library (TPL) reopened 53 additional library branch drop boxes to accept the return of library materials, the next step in its rollout of curbside drop-off and pick-up service. Toronto residents will be able to start scheduling the pick-up of their reserved materials as of Monday, June 8.
TPL began reinstating drop box service on May 25 at 17 library branches and have now expanded it to 70 branches. Drop boxes are currently only accepting return of library books, magazines, DVDs, CDs, and audio books. Fragile and large materials such as musical instruments or Arduino kits are not being accepted at this time as they may be damaged by dropping into drop boxes. Donations are also not being accepted at this time. While residents are encouraged to return their borrowed items, it is not mandatory.
They can continue to hold on to them until branches reopen and they will not be charged fines during this period.
Library customers can continue to place holds online, through the TPL website at tpl.ca, and will be able to pick up their materials through the curbside pick-up service starting next Monday, June 8. While all library branches remain closed to the public for in-branch services, many online library services continue to be available.
TPL’s curbside drop-off and pick-up service follows the reopening framework provided by the Province of Ontario, the advice of the Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health and the Toronto Medical Officer of Health, and incorporates best practices within library and retail industries for the safe delivery of curbside service. TPL has instituted new quarantining processes to ensure the safety of materials, new physical distancing policies, and shorter hours of operation. More details about TPL’s curbside drop-off and pick-up service can be found online.
TPL also announced today their June line-up of Live and Online Programs, with more than 50 live and on-demand programs for Torontonians of all ages and covering a wide variety of interests. The full line-up can be found on the TPL website.
The City of Toronto’s website is updated daily with the latest health advice and information about City services, social supports and economic recovery measures. Check toronto.ca/covid-19 for answers to common questions before contacting the Toronto Public Health COVID-19 Hotline or 311.
Quotes:
“Toronto Public Library branches are a cornerstone of so many of our communities. The work TPL staff and volunteers have accomplished throughout the pandemic – to pivot operations to ensure critical food security, for example – has been remarkable. This thoughtful, phased expansion of service is being undertaken with the same care and commitment to community and exemplifies the spirit of recovery and rebuild activities to come.”
– Mayor John Tory
“This next step toward curbside drop-off and pick-up is very exciting. I, like all TPL staff, am eager to start serving our communities in this new way until we can eventually welcome the public back in our spaces. For now, prioritizing the health and safety of our customers and our staff, we remain here for our communities online and soon at the curb.”
– Vickery Bowles, City Librarian
Toronto is home to more than 2.9 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit toronto.ca or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/CityofToronto, on Instagram at instagram.com/cityofto or on Facebook at facebook.com/cityofto.