The Moose Jaw Public Library is still offering readers safe access to their favourite books.

“We have a limited browsing area, so the full library isn’t open,” said librarian Gwen Fisher. “We are doing curbside pickup for folks who don’t want to physically enter the library.”

The library has offered this mode of pickup since June, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They are able to deliver items to individuals’ homes, if they are unable to go out, through outreach services.

According to the city’s press release, the library is also able to help patrons by putting together books and DVDs based on individual interest.

The library reopened Aug. 10 and since Nov. 27, has been following guidelines put in place for many of Moose Jaw’s public facilities.

The guidelines were put in place to coincide with the province’s current health guidelines, which were announced Nov. 25.

“Following the restrictions that are in place in regards to physical activities and sporting activities … it was just felt that we needed to pause the curling leagues until such a time that we could re-evaluate,” said Craig Hemingway, who is the communications manager for the City of Moose Jaw.

“They’re on pause through December 17, and we’re expecting another provincial update at that time.”

Curling in the city has been put on hold until Dec. 17.

With these new restrictions, sports and fitness will look different in the city. At the Yara Centre and the Kinsmen Sportsplex Pool, all fitness classes are limited to eight people. Masks and three metres of physical distance are required. According to the City of Moose Jaw’s website, the Kinsmen Sportsplex Pool resumed swimming lessons on Sept. 12 and 13, however those have now been put on hold.

Restrictions at Mosaic Place and Kinsmen Arena look similar. Masking is mandatory and three metres of distance is required in all areas of the building, including on the ice. Public skating, shinny and adult recreational hockey have been postponed. The city’s other arena, Pla-Mor Palace, is closed until further notice.

Moose Jaw is located in the south-central area of the province, which has 94 active cases of COVID-19 as of Dec. 7, according to the Government of Saskatchewan. Outbreaks have been declared in the city at two schools, a workplace, a long-term care home, a personal care home and a special care home.

The City of Moose Jaw will re-evaluate its restrictions Dec. 17, when the province is scheduled to follow up on guidelines put in place Nov. 19.