Exposure Control Plan – COVID-19

Richmond Public Library is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for staff and the public. A combination of measures will be utilized to minimize staff exposure to COVID-19. Our work practices and procedures will protect both our staff and the public who enter our facilities. We will follow direction and controls as specified by the Provincial Health Officer, BC Centre for Disease Control and the local Health Authority’s Medical Health Officer.
Download Printable PDF here .

The library is committed to safety through:

• Monitoring of branch capacity limits
• Ensuring physical distancing reminders are in place
• Requiring mask usage
• Providing hand sanitizer at all entrances
• Maintaining clean library spaces with a focus on high touch areas

The library is no longer quarantining materials

We are following the direction of infectious disease experts in our province. The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) has issued guidelines for libraries which states that the risk of transmission of COVID-19 on library materials is very low and that evidence does not require libraries to quarantine or disinfect items.

This modification allows us to check-in your returns and holds quickly, providing you with the books you want.
If you have concerns about borrowing materials, you can still quarantine your checked out items at home prior to enjoying them.

Customers can visit the Brighouse branch Monday to Friday from 10:00am to 6:00pm, the Ironwood, Cambie and Steveston branches Monday to Friday from 10:00am to 4:00pm and the Brighouse, Steveston and Ironwood branches on Saturdays from 10:00am to 4:00pm.

Quick drop-in service includes access to browsing, picking up holds, checking out books and receiving help from library staff. Capacity limits are in effect and the line-up to enter the library will close 10 minutes prior to closing if capacity limits are reached. To view available services, visit https://www.yourlibrary.ca/limited-service/.

External book returns

Brighouse book returns are open Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 6:00pm daily and Saturdays from 9:00am to 4:00pm.

Steveston book returns are open Monday to Saturday from 9:00am to 4:00pm daily.

Ironwood external book returns are open from Monday at 9:00am until Saturday at 4:00pm.

Cambie external book returns are open Monday at 9:00am until Friday at 4:00pm.

Internal book returns

The internal book returns are now available at the Brighouse and Ironwood branches. Internal book returns at the Steveston and Cambie branches continue to be unavailable until we can safely restore this service.

We want to assure you that no late fines will be charged regardless of due date.

Public computer labs are available at all branches for those who have limited or no access to a computer, the internet, and/or printing. This service is drop-in, first come, first served. Customers may use up to two 45 minute sessions per day. Visit our Public Computers page for dates, times and capacity.

This guide highlights a range of City and community resources available to support individuals and families living in Richmond.

• Please call 604-231-6404 for library card and account questions.
• Please call 604-231-6413 or email us for Information Services or for 1-on-1 help from a librarian.

Health information, government announcements and local resources:

How do I stay healthy & well?

Updated July 10, 2020

• Vancouver Coastal Health – daily local COVID-19 updates.
• Canada.ca/coronavirus – Government of Canada updates, awareness resources and information on prevention, risk, symptoms, treatment, being prepared, and more.
• Government COVID-19 Email Updates – sign-up to get trusted information about COVID-19 from the federal government.
• COVID-19 BC Support App and Self-Assessment Tool
• HealthLinkBC. – includes information in several languages. Or phone 8-1-1.
• Vancouver Coastal Health
• WorkSafeBC
• Message from the BC Human Rights Commissioner on Covid-19: Guidance to employers, landlords, service providers & individuals about how to ensure that human rights are protected and balanced against urgent public health priorities. Statement is translated into Chinese, Filipino, Persian, Punjabi, and French.
• B.C. COVID-19 Information Line: 1-888-COVID19 (1-888-268-4319) or text 604-630-0300.
• Canada Coronavirus Information Line: 1-833-784-4397
• Richmond Primary Care Network Phone Triage: 604-278-9711 ext. 4153 – Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 6:00pm, subject to staff availability. Open to all Richmond residents. English, Cantonese and Mandarin. Hindi and Punjabi subject to staff availability.
• Facebook: Vancouver Coastal Health | Provincial Health Services Authority | Healthy Canadians
• Instagram: @vchhealthcare | @PHSA.bc
• Twitter: @CDCofBC | @PHSAofBC | @CPHO_Canada | @GovCanHealth
• ArriveCAN app – allows travellers returning to Canada to input their 14-day isolation or quarantine information quickly, easily and securely upon arrival.

How can I get financial help?

Updated July 10, 2020

• Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
• Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Benefits and Services
• Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) – apply through CRA or Service Canada. Or apply by phone at 1-800-959-2019 or 1-800-959-2041.
• Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB) – post-secondary students and recent graduates who do not qualify for CERB or Employment Insurance can apply for financial support.
• Canadian Student Service Grant (CSSG) – post-secondary students and recent graduates who volunteer with not-for-profit and charity organizations may be eligible for this grant.
• Federal GIS and Allowance Payments Extended – submit income information no later than October 1, 2020 to avoid any interruption of payments.
• COVID-19 Provincial Support and Information
• B.C. Emergency Benefit for Workers (BCEBW) – for B.C. residents who lost income due to COVID-19 and receiving CERB. Eligible BC residents can apply now for this one-time payment of $1000.
• BC Temporary Rental Supplement Program – up to $500 a month to help renters and landlords during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• BC Hydro COVID-19 Relief Fund – up to three months relief for residential and small business customers.
• COVID-19 Support for Income & Disability Assistance – new emergency measures announced April 2.
• Information for renters and landlords during COVID-19 – April 1 Factsheet. Multiple language translations available.
• B.C. takes steps to support people, businesses during COVID-19 pandemic – March 23 Factsheet. Updated April 16.
• CBC Interactive Guide to Benefits Available to Canadians Affected by COVID-19

Where can I get help in Richmond?

Updated May 29, 2020

• bc211 or phone 2-1-1 – TTY, Text and Chat available
• Safe Seniors, Strong Communities – a program that matches seniors who need support with non-medical essentials, to volunteers in their community who are willing to help. Phone 2-1-1 or register online if you need help or if you would like to volunteer to help.
• City of Richmond – updates about affected City programs, services & facilities.
• Pathways Virtual Clubhouse – hosted on Facebook for people living with mental illness in Richmond.
• Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives is continuing to serve seniors through its grocery shopping service and friendly-visiting, peer counseling and information and referral services over the phone. Call 604-279-7020 for more information.
• Richmond Food Bank (5800 Cedarbridge Way) – hampers for individuals and families. Call 604-271-5609 for more information.
• Richmond Free Community Meals
• St. Alban’s Church (7260 St Albans Road) – Take-out meals on Tuesdays at 5:00pm & Fridays at 11:30am.
• Church on Five (10200 No. 5 Road) – Take-out meals on Wednesdays at 6:00 pm.
• Brighouse Park Pavilion – Bag lunches from Turning Point are available Monday to Thursday from 12:00pm – 1:00pm.
• Meals To Go are available for purchase Monday to Friday 10:00am – 2:00pm at the Seniors Centre at Minoru Centre for Active Living (7191 Granville Avenue). Call 604-238-8450 for more information.

Who can I talk to?

Updated May 29, 2020

• Crisis Centre BC – 1-800-784-2433 (24/7). Chat and Youth Chat available.
• Kids Help Phone – 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868 (24/7).
• Here2Talk – Counselling and referral for post-secondary students (24/7). Connect online, through the Here2Talk app, or by phone at 1-877-857-3397 or 604-642-5212.
• Seniors Distress Line – 604-872-1234
• CHIMO Crisis Line – 604-279-7070
• BounceBack® – online coaching and support from the Canadian Mental Health Association.
• Foundry Virtual – expanded virtual mental health programs and services for youth ages 12-24.
• Wellness Together Canada – mental health and substance use support resources, tools, apps and connections to trained volunteers and qualified mental health professionals.
• VictimLinkBC – a toll-free, confidential resource for those experiencing domestic violence that is available by phone or email 24 hours a day.
• Anxiety Canada™ – for resources to help cope with COVID-19 related anxiety.
• Hope for Wellness – immediate 24/7 mental health counselling and crisis intervention for all Indigenous peoples across Canada.