'It's unprecedented': Calgary's new Central Library halts events and programs as concerns grow over COVID-19

Calgary'sflagship Central Library remains open, but staff say there's been a noticeable drop in numbers in recent weeks asthe COVID-19pandemic continues to grow.

And, in an update on Friday, the library announced it will cancel all upcoming events and programs. Some third-party events in library spaces had alreadybeen cancelled by organizers.

The library is also removing play materials from kids areas,closing meeting rooms and suspending volunteer placements and outreach programs.

Mark Asberg, the library's CEO, says staff are constantlymonitoring the developing situation with COVID-19, but the libraryremains open to visitorswhilesteps are being taken behind the scenes to boost cleanliness and sanitizing.

"We are actively monitoring what precautions we should be taking, what we should be looking for and looking at that risk analysis every single day," Asberg said.

"We're making sure we're ready to make changes when we need to make those changes."

Asberg said cleaning processes are being reviewed and enhanced where needed. He's also urging peoplewith COVID-19symptoms to stay away.

Some international visitors aren't letting the coronavirus get in the way of taking home a fewphotos of the impressive library's interior, which has quickly become a must-see for visitors toCalgary.

"This is an amazing place and I'm not concerned about people spreading it.I'm more concerned about people not washing their hands," said Alexandria Moreno,anurse visiting from the state of Maryland.

Moreno said she plans to visit more Calgary attractions and Banff, but said she is concerned about her low immune system.

"I am a little bit worried, but for the most part you've just got to watch out," she said. "I'm not going to let something prevent me from seeing something amazing like this."

Others from closer to home say they're fine with visiting public spaces for now,but are taking some precautions.

"I don't think it's any reason for me to miss out on something that I would enjoy," said Cassandra Dixon fromthe town Black Diamond, located about 40 kilometres south of Calgary.

"I wash my hands more often.Personal hygiene is important."

Others take it a step further.

"Everyone is affected. We are scared whenever we step out in public areas," saidSunita Chopra, a newcomer to the city from India.

"We always carry sanitizer and we keep washingour hands. This is the first time I've been out after coming here."

Asberg says they aremonitoring and adopting guidelines from Alberta Health Services, Health Canada and the World Health Organization, while sharing best practices with other libraries across North America.

The library is reminding Calgarians who feel more comfortablestayingaway that there are a range of digital offerings available to members that can be accessed remotelyincluding books, movies and music.

All public libraries in Calgary are still open.