Sault library will not open to public despite go-ahead from province

Sault library remains closed despite OK to reopen Library in Sault Ste. Marie decides to continue with curb side pick up despite province giving most libraries the green-light to reopen.

SAULT STE. MARIE — The Sault Ste. Marie Public Library is still not allowing visitors to enter the building while curb side pick up remains in operation.

The Sault Ste. Marie Public Library has decided to continue with curb side pick up even though the province gave most libraries in the province the green-light to reopen on July 17.

Those that do, have to follow some strict restrictions. “Their restrictions are that any materials that is circulated and returned or access within the library must be decontaminated and quarantine.” said Sharon Wigney, with the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library.

“Our quarantine period is 72 hours which means browsing the stacks in the library, we could ultimately end up with no books on the shelf for 72 hours within the first couple days.”

With having a strict quarantine policy in place, allowing customers in didn’t make sense for staff.

The curb side option has been a success with 100-200 books being picked up every day.

Wigney added that the library is working on a plan to expand the materials offered by the library, but that it will take time.

Until then, the public will have to continue reserving books online or calling the library and placing an order over the phone.