North Vancouver District Public Library is now offering takeout. First up on the menu: a hearty dose of storytelling with a dash of knowledge and entertainment.
Although the use of digital resources across all three North Shore library systems has soared during the last six weeks as libraries closed their doors due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, requests for physical books and materials have continued as well, according to Jacqueline van Dyk, director of North Vancouver District Public Library.
On Monday, the District of North Vancouver’s library system announced that people can now contact any of the three public library branches in the municipality – Capilano, Parkgate or Lynn Valley – and order physical books for pickup.
“It seemed like this was a really important first step towards returning to full library service,” said van Dyk. “We know that not everybody has the ability or the resources to access those digital resources – whether it’s a lack of technology or a lack of Wi-Fi.”
After placing an order with the library, staff will package the books or materials in single-use paper bags that can then be collected during a pre-scheduled appointment, according to van Dyk. When patrons arrive at the library, staff will place the takeout bag with ordered books and other materials, such as DVDs or audio books, outside the doors of the building in order to facilitate a contactless transaction, she added.
Library staff have received training on best practices when it comes to health and safety for the program from North Vancouver District Fire and Rescue staff, who taught them lessons in correctly using personal protective equipment.
When library materials are returned, they will be isolated for at least 72 hours before being recirculated, noted van Dyk.
“Lots of people have a strong preference for a physical book, there’s nothing like it,” she said. “We’ve had 200 orders this morning.”
A similar program is in the works for North Vancouver City Library and West Vancouver Memorial Library, added van Dyk.
Van Dyk compared the Takeout @ NVDPL program to how the restaurant industry has had to transition to a pickup model during the ongoing health crisis. “Food is essential to life, so is knowledge and entertainment and connection,” she said.
During the initial launch of the new takeout program, North Vancouver District Public Library is taking requests for materials online or over the phone. For more information, click here.
