EDMONTON, AB, Monday, June 29, 2020 — Edmonton Public Library (EPL) has taken another step towards reopening with Library Express Checkout, opens a new window, a self-service approach to accessing holds and select library materials.
EPL’s Clareview, Lois Hole and Mill Woods branches will offer in-person access for holds pickup and other materials such as Hits-to-Go and items from the Staff Picks collection. The service will be expanded to additional Library locations in the coming weeks. New holds can be placed on Monday, July 6.
“We know our customers have been eagerly waiting for EPL to open and to borrow new physical materials,” said Pilar Martinez, CEO of EPL. “Library Express Checkout is a new way for customers to safely return to our branches and begin to borrow physical materials again”.
The health and safety of staff and customers remain EPL’s top priority. The number of customers inside each branch will be limited and physical distancing measures will be in place inside and outside each location through the use of signage, floor decals and directional markers in accordance with Alberta Health guidelines.
Customers can return library materials using the 24-hour material return chutes outside the locations offering Library Express Checkout. Returned items will be quarantined for a minimum of 72 hours prior to processing, as recommended by the Canadian Urban Library Council and the Government of Alberta.
Throughout our closure and all phases of our reopening, customers with computer access will continue to have free and unlimited use of EPL’s digital resources through EPL from Home, opens a new window and can chat live with staff online at epl.ca/ContactEPL, opens a new window or over the phone at 780-496-7000, opens a new window or text 587-817-0337, opens a new window.
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About the Edmonton Public Library
The Edmonton Public Library (EPL) is proud to be 2014 Library of the Year! We’ve come a long way since 1913 when books were all you could find on our shelves… and we’re just getting started! Today, EPL carries everything you care about. We are Edmonton’s largest lender of all manner of information and entertainment. Our professionally trained staff take you beyond Google with the knowledge, discernment and desire to help you navigate a universe of information. The second most visited place in Edmonton, every year EPL hosts over 15.4 million in branch and online visits across our 21 branches and website. We deliver our incredible content to you everywhere – in the library, at home or on your handheld device. Unmatched access and unrivalled value – that is today’s EPL. EPL is a registered charity and relies on donations to enhance services. Spread the words. www.epl.ca/give, opens a new window
For more information contact:
Marina Afonso, Communications Specialist, Edmonton Public Library
Marina.afonso@epl.ca, opens a new window
