Several more Chatham-Kent Public Library (CKPL) branches are reopening with limited hours after an extended closure caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Library branches across the municipality will be open for people to have a quick peruse of 30 minutes or less. Patrons can also book an appointment to use a computer by calling (519) 354-2940.
Ridgetown's library branch will be open on Mondays from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Bothwell will be open on Tuesdays from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m., and Highgate will be open on Mondays from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m.
“It’s great to be able to welcome patrons back into the library after our extended closure," said Ridgetown Hub’s Branch Head Amy Osborne.
Blenheim's branch will be open on Tuesdays from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m., on Thursdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The Merlin branch will be open on Thursdays from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m.
The Wheatley branch will be open on Thursdays from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Lastly, the Tilbury branch will be open on Mondays from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. Starting on October 15, it will be open on Thursdays from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. The Tilbury branch will also be open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., starting on October 24.
Curbside services will continue.
The Chatham, Wallaceburg, and Thamesville library branches reopened in mid-September with reduced hours as part of a soft launch.
"We’ve even had a patron do a 'happy dance' when she visited for the first time,” said Wallaceburg’s Branch Head Stacey Van Daele Bezanson.
Preventatives measures to limit the spread of COVID-19 are in place at the public library branches. Patrons are also asked to take the COVID-19 self-assessment test before visiting.
Additional changes to open hours or curbside services can be found on the CKPL's social media sites or on its website.
Meanwhile, for at-home art projects, craft kits for children can be picked up at any CKPL location. The Grab and Go! Free Arts & Crafts Kits can be reserved by clicking, here. In the search option, enter the name of the kit.
Available kits:
Geometric Paper Collage – registration begins October 16 at 9 a.m. Yarn Banners – registration begins October 30 at 9 a.m. Post-it Note Wreaths – registration begins November 13 at 9 a.m.
The kits are inspired by instructional videos posted to the CKPL's database, CreateiveBug.
