Library Board Passes Motion Requiring Face Covering in the Library
For immediate release
Saturday, August 1, 2020
(Airdrie, AB) – The City of Airdrie Public Library Board held a Special Meeting on Friday, July 31, to discuss the possibility of mandating face covering while in the library. The following motion was passed unanimously by the eight board members who were able to attend:
BE IT RESOLVED that Airdrie Public Library, effective 2020 August 3 (Monday), implement a policy for staff and patrons such that all individuals over the age of five (5) be required to wear a face covering (medical or non-medical-grade) while in the Library building until further notice. Medical exemptions may be granted for staff or patrons by the Director or her delegated authority.
The library re-opened to the public on July 6, 2020. Pamela Medland, Library Director, reported to the Board that while the public is complying with hand sanitation and physical distancing requirements while visiting the library, less than 50% of patrons are entering the facility with a face covering. To date, the use of a face covering while visiting APL has been recommended but optional.
“The safety of the public and our staff is of paramount importance,” stated Daniel Nelles, Library Board Chair. “Quite simply, this is a public health matter. Alberta Health has recommended face coverings where physical distancing is difficult or impossible. Physical distancing is extremely difficult in our current facility, so we must do everything we can to protect staff and patrons.”
Medland is glad to have board policy to support frontline staff. “We won’t be having confrontations for failure to wear a mask,” she said, “but we will be letting patrons know that the requirement for a face covering while in the library is a board-mandated policy.”
“It’s a matter of educating patrons about good risk management,” added Nelles. “Library staff are doing their best to keep people safe and we need patrons to do their part, too.”
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For more information, please contact:
Daniel Nelles or Pamela Medland
Library Board Chair Library Director
p. (403) 919-6016 p. (403) 402-2174