The public is invited back to the library, and to a new feature - an online bookstore.
Last week, the health restrictions lifted to allow museums, libraries other such public places to open to in-person attendance.
All of the Border Regional Libraries (Elkhorn, McAuley and Virden) are now open to the public at 50 per cent capacity. This means that Virden library has a limited capacity of 10 people permitted inside the building at one time. But, there’s an online catalogue so people can see the selection of books available to check out.
Librarian Laranda Bailey advises, “All three branches are back open to the public so please come in and find some new books you’ve been waiting to read!” You can also find books to borrow at www.borderregionallibrary.ca/
And, there’s a list of books for sale.
To date, the last in-person book sale and streetside barbecue took place in 2019. It was a social lunch event as well as a bargain venue for readers. However, there is now a virtual book store for shoppers.
Library Administrator Mary Anne Lamy says, “We really appreciate all the donations of books we have received from the people of Virden and surrounding area over the years. These donations have garnered in excess of $36,000 in funds for the library. These funds have helped the general operations of the three branches in Virden, Elkhorn and McAuley.”
At present, the library is not taking donations. Lamy says, “At this point we need to make some room as our back room is chock full of donated books and discarded books from the three branches.”
The online Book Store can be found at borderregionallibrarybookstore.org and it’s still a great opportunity to find treasures and help the local library at the same time.
When you come to browse the lending shelves or pick-up your purchase, you will see some new faces. Brittany Parks is the new assistant librarian, while two students are working there for the summer as well.
Summer student Georgia Abel is on staff as well as Reading Program student Trista Hayward.
The library is well staffed, even with the addition of the new online book store. Lamy says, “We have a really good bunch of eager staff.”
