Hats off to the skeleton crew at the Mississippi Mills Public Library for establishing safe, no-contact curbside pick-up for library patrons a few weeks ago. As soon as the lockdown occurred, MissMills Library staff began working on this initiative, strategizing how to safely get library materials out to the public. With good planning and hard work, they are now well ahead of many public libraries, large and small, anywhere. In fact, our Almonte branch is one of the first in Ontario to roll out this service.
In the first day, 537 items went out to 98 patrons in over 6 hours! The new, improved curbside pick-up service is now available at both Pakenham and Almonte branches. By simply using an on-line account, patrons can search the catalogue and reserve books, DVDs and audiobooks. Staff contacts you when your items are ready for pick-up with a date and time. They are left nicely packaged in brown paper in the lobby of the Library with your name on it. Rules for physical distancing are clearly posted. One person may enter the lobby at any time. All returns are quarantined 24 hours.
As a long-distance grandmother to a little one on Vancouver Island, I was desperate to switch-up my sparse collection of read-aloud picture books. Her woebegone Facetime request for “more options, please” was quickly filled with a call to Christine and Monica at 613-256-1037. Thank you for coming to our rescue. Email info@missmillslibrary.com for more information.
Lucy Carleton
