Keeping our libraries safe, and open, is a joint effort by Okanagan Regional Library Management, Staff, and Our Valued Customers. Work with us to keep our libraries safe!

Libraries are able to stay open and serve you with diligent attention to our safety measures, and by following province-wide restrictions. 

How to Safely Visit Your Library

Wear a Mask

Properly fitted masks that cover nose, mouth and chin are required. Scarfs, face shields, bandanas, neck gaiters, mouth guards, etc., will not be accepted face coverings.

If you forget your mask please asks staff for a disposable mask to wear during your visit.

Customers are REQUIRED to wear masks in libraries and other indoor public pages, as ordered by the Public Health Office. (See More information about Masks and COVID-19 below).

Follow these guidelines

• Do not visit the library if you are experiencing any respiratory or other COVID symptoms
• Customers must sanitize hands when coming into the branch, and we advise you to do so on exiting as well
• Customers must practice social distancing of at least 2 m (6 ft) while visiting the library
• Children attending the library must stay with their parents at all times
• We encourage customers to use our self-checkout machines whenever possible
• Please return your items to the outside book-drop. Do not bring returns into the library.

Thank you. Your cooperation helps us keep our libraries safe and open at this challenging time.

ORL Safety Procedures

• We are open to Phase 3: Browse and Borrow at this time. Customers may come into the library to look for and borrow materials, along with picking up holds. Most seating has been removed, and we are asking customers to limit the length of stay. Public internet access is available, though number of stations, and length of time may be limited based on capacity.
• Limited capacity: we have established a maximum number of people who can be in each library at a time to ensure social distancing is possible.
• ORL staff will be wearing masks at all time in the public area, and in any shared workspaces.
• Acrylic barriers are in place at all service points.
• ORL staff are following health screening and hygiene practices as outlined in our Worksafe BC COVID-19 Safety Plan.
• ORL has increased cleaning of our libraries, with increased janitorial service, and cleaning of high touch points during open hours.

Our COVID-19 Safety Plan

Okanagan Regional Library has completed a COVID-19 Safety Plan in accordance with WorkSafe BC. 

View the complete Safety Plan [PDF]

More Information about Masks and COVID-19

What does science tell us about community use of non-medical masks?

See link: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/more/masking-science-sars-cov2.html

How to evaluate, make, and use your mask safely.

See link: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/health-professionals/main-modes-transmission.html