There was a palpable sense of relief as the news spread on Wednesday that the nearly 40 birdhouse bookshops across the city have been allowed to reopen. City staff have replaced the “closed” sign on each Little Free Library station with a new one indicating it is once again open for business – with the stipulation that each user adhere to public health dictums, as is the order of the age of the pandemic.
"I am delighted to see Little Free Libraries reopening in St. Albert. We have 39 distributed throughout St. Albert, each with their own unique style and book selections," offered Angie Dedrick, neighbourhood development co-ordinator with St. Albert Community Services.
"They are a great resource in our neighbourhoods where we can quietly connect with our neighbours, share our love of reading and help foster literacy. This pandemic has been hard for everyone and I know many of the Little Free Library stewards have been really looking forward to being able to reopen, reconnect and get reading again."
That being said, Little Free Library patrons are asked to continue to wash or sanitize their hands frequently, not touch their faces, stay two metres away from others, follow mass gathering guidelines and stay home if they are sick. Dedrick noted it is not the responsibility of each Little Free Library steward to clean and disinfect their library.
"As we have done so all through this pandemic, neighbours must continue to work together to keep everyone safe."
Dedrick added she is not just a fan of the libraries as they serve community-building; she loves them personally, especially the one in her neighbourhood that she passes by when she walks her dogs.
"Now that it is open, I will be adding a few good books I just finished: Educated, American Dirt and The Family Upstairs. See if you can find them," she challenged the public.
A map for all of the city's Little Free Library locations can be found on the city's website at stalbert.ca/city/csd/neighbourhood/little-free-libraries.
