Vegreville Centennial Library asks for ‘In House’ Services to Resume

Vegreville Centennial Library asks for ‘In House’ Services to Resume

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

The Vegreville Centennial Library Board is lobbying MLA Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk to allow them to resume ‘In House’ services during Step 2 of the ‘Path Forward’ Plan.

To that end, they also asked the Town of Vegreville to support the request, which town council did without reservation at its February 22 regular meeting.

In the letter of request, Library Manager Donna Williams stated that that the board has initiated policies and practices in keeping with Alberta Health requirements. “As a result the operation of the library is more stringent than the requirements set out for other facilities in Step 2 including retail stores.”

Originally, libraries were included in Step 3 of the ‘Path Forward’ Plan. Williams said, “We assume easing restrictions would return each entity to the restrictions in place prior to the December 13 mandate.”

She went on to list the health and safety measures that it would implement prior to re-opening and that it would operate four days a week as was the case prior to the ‘Path Forward’ Plan.

“In closing, we hope you will carry this request forward to the related areas of the government including Alberta Health. We also believe that our library is not alone in this situation and we are all eager to resume as many services as we safely can to our respective communities.”

Councillor Dave Berry stated, “I don’t see where there’s a lot of difference

entering the library or entering any business right now to tell you the truth. There’s a lot of touch items in any store so I don’t think there’s a big problem.”

Councillor Jerrold Lemko, who sits on the library board, said the safety measures are quite good compared to other ones like stores and restaurants. “And I do believe there are other communities that have libraries like ours that are also going to councils for letters of support to move this forward.”

Councillor Taneen Rudyk said it was important to notes that the library is one of the few places of common access in the community that allows for free

Wi-Fi, printing, and computer services. “For a lot of people that is their only way to access that.” She felt that was an important reason to support the library’s request.

Council unanimously voted in favour of sending a letter of request to the library board.

On March 1 the Province announced updated health measures which included libraries. Effective immediately, libraries can now open but must limit capacity to 15 percent of fire code occupancy, not including staff.