As you have probably heard by now, the province has issued an order limiting many businesses to curbside pickup – and the library is no exception to this rule.

For the duration of the lockdown, we’ll be open for curbside pickup only. This means that you can request books, DVDs or other items over the phone or at peclibrary.org, and we’ll collect them and set them outside for you after we arrange a day and time for pickup. If you find it hard to choose books without browsing the shelves, just give us a call. We’ll ask you what you like to read, and choose a selection of books for you If you would rather stay home entirely, we can send 1-2 books by mail at no charge, and you can mail them back to us. Please note that dropboxes will stay open throughout the lockdown, and while we do not charge late fees, it is helpful if you can return books in a timely manner so that they can be quarantined and then made available to other readers. Every branch of the library has an outdoor dropbox that you can access at any time. Curbside pickup hours will be Tuesday – Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m at every branch of the library, but this is subject to change and we will arrange a time for you to pickup when we notify you that your book is available.

The Archives will return to offering remote research requests only – you can give them a call at (613) 399-2023 to discuss what you are looking for and they’ll arrange to get copies of research items to you through email, mail, or over the phone as appropriate.

For the beginning of the year we have a number of new children’s programs including a Science class where children can participate in an experiment together via video chat! Find the complete schedule at peclibrary.org or call (613) 476-5962.

If you want to expand your tech skills, you can join us for upcoming tech workshops through video chat on Wednesdays at 2 p.m. On January 20, we’ll offer Android Basics. Many smartphone and tablet makers—such as LG, Samsung, and Google—run versions of Android OS. Learn the basics of the Android operating system, including personalization, security, downloading apps, and more on your tablet and smartphone. On January 27, learn about home entertainment. Were you given some home-theatre gear? Join us to learn the basics of setting up your television and sound systems. Learn the answers to such questions as: What is HDMI? What are A/V Cables? What’s a SmartTV? What are Apple TV and Chromecast?

If you have individual questions you can also book an hour over the phone or through video chat with our tech team Aaron, David and Michele. If you are ever frustrated with technology or just can’t get something to work the way you’d like , don’t hesitate- just give them a call at (613) 476-5962.

Throughout this locked-down period all library branches and the archives are working hard to serve you. If you have any questions or requests, give us a call (613) 476-5962.

-Liz Zylstra