Burnaby Public Library services during COVID-19

We’ll continue adapting our services throughout COVID-19, with guidelines from Fraser Health and City of Burnaby Occupational Health and Safety. Visit City of Burnaby for updates on other city services.

In-branch services

We’re excited to open our doors and welcome you back! Walk-in holds pickup, public computers and Wi-Fi are available as of July 13. Our hours at all branches are:

Monday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.  
Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Thursday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Holds pickup

Pick up and check out your holds in our branches, no appointment necessary. Because access to library collections remains closed, only items on hold for you can be borrowed. 

Public computers

Computers, printers and scanners will be available to use with your library card. Computers are available for 45 minute sessions and are first come, first served. There are no reservations. Cleaning supplies will be provided, and computers are spaced two metres (six feet) apart.

If you don’t have a library card, call 2436-5400 to get one over the phone. You can also register for a library card when you arrive at the branch.

Wi-Fi

There is designated seating in each branch to access Wi-Fi with your device. We ask that you limit your indoor use to 45 minutes. Wi-Fi can be also accessed outside Bob Prittie Metrotown, Cameron, and McGill branches. You don’t need a library card to access Wi-Fi.

Health and safety

Here’s what we’re doing for staff and visitor safety:

• Limiting the number of people inside the branch at one time,
• Posting clearly marked directional signs to help you navigate inside the branch,
• Providing hand sanitizer at library entrances, and other locations throughout the branch,
• Enhancing cleaning procedures at our branches, including regularly sanitizing high touch areas,
• Using Plexiglass barriers at service desks,
• Quarantining all returned items for 72 hours before we make them available to borrow.

What you can do:

• Limit your visits to under an hour,
• Follow signage and directions from staff. There may be lineups to enter the branch,
• Physically distance and keep two metres (six feet) apart,
• Wash or disinfect your hands. Washrooms and hand sanitizer are available,
• Stay home if you or any member of your household is feeling sick.

Wearing a face mask is optional.

What in-branch services are unavailable?

• Access to or browsing of library collections
• Seating and tables
• Meeting rooms
• Photocopiers

All programs and events are cancelled until further notice. Thank you for your patience as we continue to adapt our services throughout COVID-19.

Borrowing

Get a library card

Don’t have a library card? Contact us and we’ll register you for a new account that you can use right away. Access our online resources, and if you live in Burnaby you can choose from thousands of our e-books and audiobooks in Library to Go. Or use your library card to place holds on items and we’ll notify you to pick them up at your preferred branch.

Borrow items on hold

Because access to library collections remains closed, only items on hold for you can be borrowed at our branches. Use our library catalogue to place holds on items and we’ll notify you to pick them up at your preferred branch. You can also call 2436-5400 and get help with placing a hold. Items from other libraries (interlibrary loans) are unavailable for borrowing.

Due dates

Due dates for items borrowed during the library closure were extended to August 31. Regular loan periods are being reintroduced for items checked out on August 3 and onward, and borrowers will begin to see due dates for items beginning in September. Please check your account for details, or contact us if you have questions.

Return items

Drop your BPL items through our book returns at any time, near the entrance of each branch. For health and safety we can only accept returns through the book drops. We’ll quarantine all returned items for 72 hours before removing them from your account.

E-books & audiobooks

Library to Go is our largest e-book and audiobook collection. Burnaby residents, log in with your library card and download thousands of fiction and non-fiction titles for adults, teens, and kids. Borrow up to 10 titles, and place up to 20 titles on hold. We’re rapidly adding new titles, best sellers, and books in Chinese.  

Get Help

Information Service

Call 2436-5400 during our open hours or email us for information help. We can connect you to community resources and services, give you reading recommendations, or walk you through our online resources and e-books and audiobooks. We’re available to help you with any question!

Home Library and Accessible Service

If you are unable to come into the library to borrow items, you may be eligible for home delivery. Visit Home Library and Accessible Service to find out about types of service available.

Last updated: August 7, 2020