Access to many of the resources at the Cochrane Public Library will continue to be available through its curbside service.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the library established its curbside service in June and has continued to make the option available, even when they were able to reopen their doors.

"It's always been an option for those who want to stay as safe as possible," explains head librarian Andrea Johnston.

"We're not really skipping a beat. Staff is well-versed on how curbside works, and we're so happy that we're still able to offer services to the community."

To utilize the service, go to their online catalog and place holds on items. Once the items are available for pickup you'll be contacted. You then come to the library, phone them (their number is on a large sign outside), identify yourself, and say you have items on hold. A librarian will check out the items, place them on a cart, and then wheel them outside. Patrons can then pick the items off the cart.

There are also step-by-step instructions provided on the library website, found here.

The library is currently offering free three-month membership to help the community continue to access its vast resources. Existing members can also renew their membership online.

"We have our google form back up on our website, so anybody who needs a library card or their library card is expiring can go on and we'll get their membership back up and running."

Heightened COVID-19 measures instituted by the province required the library to close at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12 until provincial authorities allow for it to reopen.