Library Re-Opening Phase 2

Despite restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Lewis County Public Library has continued to serve as an integral partner in outreach services, a leader in life-long education, and as a virtual hub for the Lewis County community. Throughout the library building’s closure and during Phase 1, library staff have provided a variety of programming via Facebook Live, offered curbside services, conducted welfare checks on patrons via telephone, and provided critical access to the Internet for residents who do not have access at home.

The library is now in Phase 2 of its reopening plan. Keeping library users safe is our top priority. To ensure a safe environment is maintained, Phase Two of library services has resumed as follows:

1. Curbside services will continue and is strongly encouraged. Patrons may select items by phone, through our online card catalog http://b.link/lew, or via Facebook request.

2. Access to the library is limited to 10 patrons at a time for 1 hour at a time. There are no family member restrictions during Phase 2. Patrons are expected to follow social distance requirements—6 feet apart.

3. Library staff will greet patrons at the door in order to maintain capacity and time limits. Staff reserves the right to deny access to patrons who appear to be sick, i.e., coughing, sneezing.

4. Patrons are encouraged to bring and wear their own face masks and to disinfect their hands with hand-sanitizer provided throughout the building.

5. In order to maintain a safe distance, 3 computers are available for public use. Computer time is considered part of the 1-hour time limit in the library. After each patron is finished with the computer, the computer will be wiped/sprayed down with disinfectant.

6. Patrons may browse shelves on their own. One-way aisles and traffic patterns for social distancing have been established for safe browsing of materials. Patrons are asked to place unwanted, pulled materials on carts and not re-shelve materials. This will allow staff to disinfect materials.

7. All library materials should be returned in the book drop. Each returned item will be disinfected and quarantined 24 hours before being available for checkout.

8. While following physical distancing requirements, patrons may read the newspapers, study, and use the Wi-Fi service. Gloves are provided for the newspapers and are mandatory.

9. Staff may not be able to provide one-on-one technology assistance at this time due to social distancing.

10. Meeting rooms will not be in use until further notice. No library programs other than passive, online, or make-and-take crafts are available.

11. The Weinhappel Room of Local History and Genealogy will remain closed to public access until further notice to prevent damage caused by frequent disinfection. Staff will retrieve materials for patrons upon request.

12. Public access hours have increased and are as follows: Tuesday through Friday: elderly and vulnerable patrons may use the library from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. All patrons may access the building from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for all patrons.

13. Frequently touched surfaces are disinfected hourly, and the entire building is thoroughly disinfected from noon to 1 p.m. and at evening closure.

14. Overdue fines will not be charged during Phase 2.