REGINA -- The Regina Public Library will resume some of its services starting next week.

Customers can return materials to four library branch locations beginning on June 8. Materials can also be picked up starting on June 15.

The four locations available for drop off and pick up will be the Central Library, the George Bothwell Branch, Sunrise Branch and Sherwood Village Branch. These services will be available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Saturday, and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

“Our community has been telling us they need new books to read and with new safety protocols, we’re happy to serve,” Sean Quinlan, Chair of the RPL Board of Directors, said. “Customers can now walk, ride, or run to these four branches and get those items they’ve been waiting for.”

Return instructions are available on the RPL website. Curbside pickup instructions are coming soon.

Library facilities will remain closed to the public, with pickups being done outside of the branch. Book drops will be unlocked at these four locations while they are offering services.

The library will establish further safety measures and institute a 72-hour waiting period before staff are allowed to touch returned materials.

The Regina Public library is very welcoming of the news that its branches will be able to open in phase four of the province’s Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan.

“The people of Regina love their libraries, our staff love our customers and our staff are really really looking forward to getting back into our building to start proving service,” Senior Manager of Corporate Service of the Regina Public Library, Kevin Saunderson said.

The Government of Saskatchewan announced on Thursday that the re-opening of libraries will be one of the services that open in its phase four. The Government said it wanted to open services that children really enjoy. Phase four will also see museums, day camps, playground, movie theatres, outdoor pools and spray pads open.

The Regina Public Library has hired a consultant to review what needs to be changed in its branches to allow the re-opening. It’s also looking into what in-person programs will be able to be offered.

“We are still going to be able to provide the opportunity for people to come in explore and learn,” Saunderson said.