The l’ABPQ, BIBLIOPRESTO, Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec (BAnQ) et le Réseau BIBLIO du Québec (RBQ) have launched QuoiLire.ca. This new online tool aims to serve the general public, at a distance, during the confinement period. Quoilire.ca offers three options: thematic reading lists, video capsules, as well as an online form allowing the reader to list their interests. The specialists of Quebec public libraries agree to send within three working days, a selection of three books corresponding to the reader profile that emerges from an online questionnaire. The page dedicated to Video Capsules allows users to discover “reading enthusiasts” delighted to share their own suggestions and favourites.
Investments in digital collections have been a common practice in libraries. Bibliothèques de Montréal have added French and English audio books to their collections as a response to COVID-19. New Brunswick Public Library Service has added a dedicated webpage to new online resources available for a limited time.
The Cape Breton Regional Library offers “Novel Navigation”. Library staff send personalized reading recommendations by email based on users filling out an online reading interest form.
The Wellington County Public Library offers an online contest called the “stay at home challenge” that encourages reading, learning and using library resources.
Many libraries have started offering curbside pickup services. The Coquitlam Public Library offers a free curbside holds pick up service. Requested items are placed in paper bags and users are contacted by email or text. Name tags are produced from the integrated library system. The library is also circulating “grab bags” of preselected materials by genre, and age group, with five items in each bag.
The North Vancouver District Library offers a holds pick up service called “Library Take Out @ NVPL”.
The Fort Saskatchewan Public Library offers “Used Book Curbside Pick Up” as an alternative to their annual used booksale.
The Roskilde Municipality in Denmark provides access to collections through a Plexiglas hutch solution at the library door. Physical distancing is used outside the library to pick up holds.
At the library at the Ville de Saint-Rémi, users can phone or email to place their requests and pick up their holds without contacting staff or entering the library.
The Palm Beach County Public Library has created a YouTube video to explain their walk up holds service.
The Vespasian Warner Public Library District and Beloit Public Library have created social media posters to advertise their curbside services. Hennepin County Library provides a three-step process and FAQ on their website.
The Bibliothèque Gabrielle-Giroux-Bertrand de Cowansville is allowing those without a library card to have temporary access to their digital collections. Edmonton Public Library is promoting their online library card registration, which includes access to digital collections, as part of their “EPL from home” suite of services.
The Bibliothèque Linette-Jutras-Laperle is offering a home delivery service on their website. Interested citizens are asked to fill out an online form to start the service.
The Pictou-Antigonish Regional Library offers a books-by-mail service for rural residents. Patrons make their selections by mail, phone, email or by completing a form online. The service is provided free of charge to patrons.
