When will libraries reopen in Canada? What will they look like? In this new normal, grabbing a copy of the latest James Patterson thriller from your local library branch is going to look different — so here's a preview of what to expect.

In Calgary, Alta., the public library is shifting to a curbside pickup service, starting today, June 9.

Library members can order books in advance. Once they receive a notification that their books are available for pickup, they're asked to drive to their local branch and call the number posted outside.

A member of staff will then bring the holds to the pickup table.

Curbside Holds Service is now available at Library locations. We're excited to see you again, but your experience is going to be a little different from what you're used to. Please note these guidelines so that you can come prepared: https://t.co/Zr6s43v2UH #yyc #curbsidepickup pic.twitter.com/ZJwdfz07IX

— Calgary Public Library (@calgarylibrary) June 9, 2020

Like many other Canadian libraries, the Calgary Public Library is still not accepting book returns.

As part of phase three, the library will begin allowing in-location public access at an unspecified date, although large events and public gatherings will still be off the table.

Although Library locations remain closed, we are getting ready to reopen. We are not able to provide an exact timeline for reopening, but today we're excited to share our strategy for providing public services safely within ongoing restrictions https://t.co/HAurV5WsJ4 #yyc pic.twitter.com/9eoEwxgx2d

— Calgary Public Library (@calgarylibrary) June 4, 2020

The Regina Public Library (RPL) is similarly launching a curbside pick-up service on June 15 at select locations.

Library patrons are asked to follow the footprint stickers on the ground and keep at least two metres away from others.

RPL is also now accepting book returns at four locations, and the website says that the library gives the book a "quarantine period" of 72 hours before staff collect them. The bins are regularly sanitized.

pic.twitter.com/4fjujTqrTN

— ReginaPublicLibrary (@OfficialRPL) June 8, 2020

The Toronto Public Library opened for curbside pickup at most branches on Monday, and it is accepting book returns at 70 branches across the city.

All library staff are equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE), and returned books will be quarantined for 72 hours before staff reshelf them.

The Ottawa Public Library is also open for curbside pickup and returns at six locations with safety measures such as masks in place.

Some pics of our first day of curbside returns (before customers arrived 😉).
-Chair Luloff at #Cumberland branch
-Rows of boxes to quarantine the returns at Ruth E. Dickinson
**
Des photos de la 1ère journée de notre service en bordure de rue (avant l'arrivée des clients).
📚 pic.twitter.com/qlmhbTXa8d

— OttPubLib/BibPubOtt (@opl_bpo) June 8, 2020

The Winnipeg Public Library currently has three locations open for curbside pickup, while the Halifax Public Library offers curbside pick-up for items still on hold from March. The library says it will offer new holds at a later date.

The Montreal Public Library is still closed for the time being, and the library has yet to announce a reopening date.

The Vancouver Public Library (VPL) launched a "takeout model" at select locations in early June, although the system was so overwhelmed with orders that the library has been forced to temporarily halt the service.

VPL has also increased their collection of ebooks, digital audiobooks and more in order to give readers access to materials from home.

Sick of Netflix? You're in luck! This #BookfaceFriday is a triple whammy as we are that excited to offer free streaming on @Kanopy with your library card! Plus Kanopy Kids!

We're taking requests! Tell us what #Kanopy film would make a good #Bookface and we'll try our best. 😊 pic.twitter.com/Bd96KtNuaw

— Vancouver Public Library (@VPL) May 29, 2020

Most Canadian libraries have yet to outline the safety measures that will be put in place once the branches reopen for in-person access, but based on retail models, visitors can probably expect plexiglass barriers, floor stickers and hand sanitizer stations.

In the United States, public libraries have also cordoned off the bookshelves to restrict browsing.

Here’s how things have changed at my library, plexiglass guards, stacks fenced off, masks, and me trying to hide behind a plant. 🤪 pic.twitter.com/ifgcXusTj5

— ᏦᎥffᎽ (@KiffyAnn) May 18, 2020

It may be another few weeks (or even months) until libraries in Canada reopen for in-person access, but Canadians can look forward to using contactless curbside pickup to get all of their summer beach reads.