Avid library users may have noticed some tweaks to hours at a handful of Greater Victoria Public Library (GVPL) locations to start the year.
The hours are impacted by COVID-19, Oak Bay Coun. Andrew Appleton told residents and council during a Jan. 17 meeting. He noted the community may have noticed branches operating on modified hours.
“They’re targeting those hours at those areas where people are the most to ensure there’s maximum availability,” he said.
Oak Bay’s hours are not impacted.
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The Bruce Hutchison, Central Saanich, Emily Carr, Esquimalt, Goudy, Langford Heritage and the branch in James Bay are all open from noon to 5 p.m. now through Jan. 29. All other locations have regularly scheduled open hours. The Central Branch is open seven days a week, with Sunday hours from 1 to 5 p.m.
GVPL plans to modify as needed and re-evaluated at the end of the month, with information shared on social media.
Meanwhile, the Esquimalt Branch is closed as the community awaits the opening of its new branch in Esquimalt Town Square. Library items can still be returned to the book drop box in the south parking lot behind the Archie Browning Sports Centre, or at any GVPL branch. As of Jan. 17, items on hold at the Esquimalt Branch are available for pickup at the Saanich Centennial Branch, or users can select any other branch for pickup.
For in-branch services, including browsing and access to public computers, the Saanich Centennial and Central Branches are the nearest locations.
READ ALSO: Esquimalt Town Square opens with focus on being gathering space
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