Status of Library Service

Latest Update: Thursday, June 25, 2020

Stay Informed

This page has more information on our response to COVID-19 and will be kept up-to-date with any additional changes to Library service.

Throughout this situation, the safety and wellbeing of our employees, community members, and volunteers is our number one priority. We will continue to serve our community and employees however we can while adhering to recommendations from all levels of government.

How you can keep yourself and others safe

• Follow Government of Nova Scotia directives regarding COVID-19.
  
• Cover your mouth with a tissue or your upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
• Discard used tissues immediately.
• Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer that is 60–90% alcohol-based.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Practice social distancing. As per government recommendations, stay home if you can. Maintain an optimal six-foot distance from others.
• Support one another, be kind and stay informed. Your Library is here to help.

Trusted resources

The following are resources and useful tools to educate yourself, family, and friends on COVID-19.

Health information

• Province of Nova Scotia
• Government of Canada
• World Health Organization
• HealthLink 811 (The recommended self-assessment tool to use before calling 811 and a source for trustworthy health information.)

Employment and benefits services

• Government of Canada, opens a new window information and online applications forms for Employment Insurance, Pensions and Benefits.
• Canada Revenue Agency, opens a new window information about emergency benefits programs and how COVID 19 is effecting income tax filing deadlines.

Support for small businesses

During this time of uncertainty, our Small Business team is thinking of you. We have pulled together a list of resources, opens a new window available for small businesses to help you stay informed and seek support.

Beware of scams and misinformation

• The World Health Organization has a dedicated page listing potential scams seeking to steal money or sensitive information from people. Improve your cybersecurity by reading the WHO’s information and tips.
• Canada Revenue Agency has issued an alert to be aware of scams related to the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). Click here to learn more about protecting yourself against fraud. 
• Debunking myths: The World Health Organization has a dedicated page, opens a new window debunking common myths related to COVID-19. 

Talking to children

Need help talking to your kids about COVID-19?

• The Nova Scotia Government has created a playlist of common Q&As for kids. Watch here
• Staff at National Public Radio, opens a new window used interviews from various public health and social work experts to create a comic about what kids may want to know. Note: This comic is from February 28, 2020, so some dialogue may be outdated.

Mental health

The terms outbreak, epidemic, global health emergency, and quarantine often can be trigger words for many people creating anxiety, depression, fear, and distrust. 

• Here are 5 Tips from Mental Health Experts, opens a new window sharing strategies and coping mechanisms.
• Nova Scotia Health Authority's Mindwell U, opens a new window can offer tips and support.
• Nova Scotia Health Authority also shares resources through the I-Can Program, opens a new window.
• Young people, up to age 20, can connect with Kids' Help Phone, opens a new window.

• Mental Health and Well-Being from the Province of Nova Scotia. 

• The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety offers many free courses and webinars. 

• Working Through It offers videos and real stories from people who have experienced mental health issues. 
• The Mental Health Commission of Canada also offers regular webinars in different areas of mental health. 
• Rosen Publishing digital resource for teens, opens a new window shares COVID-19 information, written in clear language and fact-based (not fear-based). 

More information

Due to the rapidly changing status of the COVID-19 coronavirus, parts of this post may be outdated. For the latest public health and information and directives from government, please visit these resources:

• Government of Canada: Information regarding outbreak updates; prevention and risks; symptoms and treatments; awareness resources; preparedness and travel advice; and guidance for health professionals, communities and individuals. It also provides a pop-up COVID-19 virtual assistant.
• Province of Nova Scotia: A gateway to the Government of Nova Scotia’s COVID-19 updates, resources and supports.
• Halifax Regional Municipality, opens a new window: A gateway to the Halifax COVID-19 updates and information about specific municipal services.
• World Health Organization
• 811 Health Link:, opens a new window The recommended self-assessment tool to use before calling 811 and a source for trustworthy health information.
  
• If you are looking for more information on COVID-19, please call the Government of Canada's novel coronavirus information line: 1-833-784-4397.