Coquitlam Public Library has found many innovative ways to meet the needs of the community while its physical branches are closed to the public, including Curbside Pick-up, virtual programs and special services for older adults.
In addition to the wide selection of digital books, movies, magazines and newspapers that are always available online, print material and movies can now be borrowed using the Library’s new Curbside Pick-up service.
Customers can place holds on material in the Library’s online catalogue and then pick up their safely packaged items when they are ready. Pick-up locations include the City Centre and Poirier branches or on the Library’s book bus, Library Link, which makes stops throughout Coquitlam. This service is available Monday to Friday, 9:30 am–7:00 pm and Saturday to Sunday, 10:00 am–4:00 pm.
For people who want something to read or watch but don’t have specific titles in mind, the Library is offering Grab Bags. Each bag contains five or more items on a specific genre or theme, and can be placed on hold and collected through Curbside Pick-Up. Do a Title Search for ‘grab bag’ in the Library’s online catalogue to browse the available options.
Homebound customers and adults aged 60 and older are eligible to receive personal service, including free home delivery and pick-up of library materials. Provincial health guidelines will be followed to ensure the safety of customers and staff. To register, call 604-554-7323 or fill out an application form online. These library members can also sign up to receive friendly phone calls from staff who will provide information, recommend resources and chat. Contact Outreach Services at outreach@coqlibrary.ca or 604-554-7323 for this service.
The Library has moved its educational and entertaining programs online. Usually held on Zoom, virtual programs include story times and homework help for young students, volunteer opportunities for teenagers, book clubs, introductions to digital resources, and partnership programs presented in Cantonese, Korean, Mandarin and Farsi.
Online resources are a great way to keep entertained or to learn something new. Get eBooks, audiobooks, films and TV shows for all ages. Solaro provides study help for students in grades 3-12. Lynda.com’s professional video courses teach software, design and business skills while Creativebug offers award-winning arts and crafts tutorials for all skill levels.
Library reference service has also moved online. For individual help with eBooks, tablets, computers or technology, fill out a Help Session Request Form at coqlibrary.ca. Where the form says ‘Preferred branch’, enter ‘virtual help session’. A Help Sessions team member will respond to you within 1-2 days and can provide guidance on Zoom. Additionally, library professionals can be reached by phone at 604-554-7323 or by email at askalibrarian@coqlibrary.ca to answer questions. Messages will receive a reply within 1-2 business days.
The 3D printers in the City Centre branch Innovation Hub are being used to create ear protectors, which the Library is donating to local health workers. Recommended health and safety practices are being observed. The Library thanks The Soroptimist International of the Tri-Cities for their donation of personal protective equipment for staff to use during the manufacturing process.
To learn more about Coquitlam Public Library’s services, to sign up for a library membership, or to share suggestions for how the library can improve services or access to resources, see coqlibrary.ca, email askalibrarian@coqlibrary.ca or phone 604-554-7323 (City Centre branch) or 604-937-4141 (Poirier branch).
There is no date set for reopening the Library. When lockdown restrictions have been lifted, Coquitlam Public Library will open to the public gradually and in keeping with City and provincial guidelines.