Mandatory Use of Mask or Face Covering within Toronto Public Library Branches

Effective Date: July 7, 2020

Beginning July 7, 2020, all staff, visitors and customers are required to wear a mask or face covering upon entering and remaining within Toronto Public Library branches. The mask or face covering must cover the nose, mouth and chin, without gapping.

Temporary removal of the mask/face covering is permitted where necessary for the purposes of receiving services.

The following persons are exempted from requiring a mask or face covering and will not be required to provide proof of such exemption:

• Children under two years of age
• Persons with an underlying medical condition which inhibits their ability to wear a mask or face covering
• Persons who are unable to place, remove, or use a mask or face covering without assistance
• Employees and operators of the Toronto Public Library will follow TPL guidelines regarding wearing of masks in non-public spaces
• Persons who are reasonably accommodated by not wearing a mask or face covering under the Ontario Human Rights Code

Toronto Public Library commits to orient and train staff on the policy including how to respond in various circumstances, such as:

• customer arrived without a mask/face covering because they forgot or don't have one
• customer who is exempt from wearing a mask/face covering
• customer wanting more information about the policy and bylaw
• customer who disagrees with the new requirement
• customer who becomes aggressive about the new requirement
• customer wanting information about the importance of wearing a mask/face covering or the science on the use of masks /face coverings
• customer asking about the availability of alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• customer who wants to know if they can be fined

Signage regarding the bylaw and the mandatory use of mask or face covering is posted at all entrances and reinforced by staff.

This policy has been created in compliance with the City of Toronto By-Law 541-2020.