New Westminster – The New Westminster Public Library is thrilled to announce the launch of its ‘Library Takeout’ service. Orders will begin being processed Wednesday, May 13^th, with first pick-ups scheduled for Wednesday, May 20^th.  As has been the case with a number of restaurants, library users will be able to submit an order for any combination of up to 10 books, DVDs and CDs, and arrange for a pre-scheduled, touchless pick-up at the library’s main branch.

“The library plays such an important role in our community and we are working hard to gradually introduce services while managing the restrictions imposed by the pandemic,” said Mayor Jonathan Coté. “I am pleased that our library staff are able to provide access to new reading, listening and viewing materials for everyone to enjoy.”

“We are going to bring back services responsibly, first allowing customers to place orders for items already available and pick them up. We want to make sure our procedures are safe, for staff and the community,” said Naomi Perks, Chair of the New Westminster Library Board.  “After the first couple of weeks, the library will then move to open its book-drop so that materials can be returned, quarantined and then recirculated in as safe a manner as possible.”

Since the closure of the library, most staff have been redeployed to a number of the City of New Westminster’s emergency pandemic task forces. Recalling library staff for any new service remains contingent on the City being able to ensure the task forces are staffed properly. 

Library staff have also been working to initiate the transition of some programs online with an online book club, story times, and the upcoming summer reading program set to begin in June.

“We are all on a learning curve, and staff have quickly made the pivot to online platforms as a means of providing library services and connecting with staff,” notes Perks.

New Westminster Public Library will join other Metro Vancouver libraries that have also recently announced a takeout service, including the Coquitlam and North Shore libraries.

For more information about NWPL library takeout or the New Westminster Public Library, please visit www.nwpl.ca/takeout

- 30 -

Media Contact:

Christopher Koth
Manager, Programs and Community Development
New Westminster Public Library
604-527-4678 or