Foremost library expected to open for readers next week

By Justin Seward

Commentator/Courier
Libraries were a part of the June 9 UCP government phase two announcement, which was set to begin on Friday
The Foremost Municipal Library board met last Tuesday night to discuss safety measures for reopening.
The tentative opening date is June 23 because the library is waiting on the safety guards to arrive.
“We’re going to be opening for people coming in,” said Joan Beutler, library manager.
“But children, they have to be within arm’s length of their parents, under the age of eight. I can’t be walking around trying to clean everything. We can disinfect their hands when they walk in, but that doesn’t stop them from picking their nose and touching something.”
When kids come in there will be no toys and games to play with and the soft furniture will be packed behind barriers.
The library will not limit the use of public computes unless a patron comes in and watches videos.
“I have to disinfect everything when they leave and so I can’t have everyone coming in and just using it for fun,” she said.
“If they need to do forms for the government or apply for something or study for their Learner’s exam, that kind of stuff we’re going to allow.”
She says the library does not get a big rush of people and doesn’t expect to have and issue with numbers.
People will have to use Wifi from outside of the building.
Curbside pick up will be also available upon request.
The washrooms are off limits to the public.
Beautler added the library will be still having their summer program and are considering doing those activities virtually and outside.
“We’re probably looking at the first time ever having to register for things so that we know we have room at our tables (for) six to 10 kids. The first ten that register will be able to come and do our craft day. But we’ll do multiple craft times so no one misses out ,” she said.
The library will be opened for regular hours from Tuesday to Friday.
More information on hours and programs can be found at foremost.shortgrass.ca, on posters around the village and on their Facebook page.

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