The Windsor Public Library is suspending its physical operations indefinitely and moving more services online.
Around 75 per cent of the 84 staff have been redeployed to work from home. Their focus is supporting school curricula, enhancing online services, and creating on-line storytimes. Online resources will be created to help parents with teaching their children at home.
A small group will also be making non-surgical masks to give to people in the community.
“WPL’s intention is to avoid staff layoffs, keep employees working productively and focus on being a positive force in the emergency response to COVID-19 and then the recovery. Depending on the duration and other changing circumstances WPL will work closely with CUPE Local 2067.1 to minimize the negative personal and organizational effects of COVID-19,” said WPL CEO Kitty Pope.
The library is also testing other services it can provide while its buildings are closed. Staff will be issuing library cards and delivering library resources to seniors and other special needs customers. The bookmobile, FRED, will be used to make housecalls.
Other staff members are investigating how the library's 3D printers can help the community during this crisis.