Reinstatement of Library Services

New Straitsville Public Library

COVID 19 Reinstatement of Library Services

Library will reopen starting with curbside service we will advance in phases

The way we will be providing service and the way you interact with the Library and staff will look and feel quite different; please note these changes will be in place to meet state and local reopening requirements and most importantly to keep our staff and patrons as safe as possible.

What to expect week of 5/25/2020 Library items will begin to be returned, due dates have been changed to your notification date and appointment date for returns.

June 15 th 2020 the Library building remain closed to the public, but new Curbside Service begins! 

This is how that will work:  

1.     Call Library between 3:00 pm and 5 pm on Monday or Thursday to request materials currently available at the library.  Curbside pick-up time will be scheduled at that time.  You can go on the Library site and look under catalog to see what is available at the library.   The max items that can be checked out at one time will be 5 books and 5 DVDs. 

Process to search on the Library site: 

·       Go to NSPL site on the internet  

·       Click on catalog

·       Click on Researcher  

Log in:  Last Name and Library card number

·       Type in Title or Author

·       List titles that you are interested in and call the Library and make a pick up appointment.

 

2.     When you arrive at the library, you will need to call the library again to let us know that you are here.  The library will remain locked it is not open to walkins at this time.

3.     A staff member will bring the materials outside (there will be no contact) please stay in your vehicle, staff will be wearing a mask and will place them in your vehicle passenger side or in your open trunk. 

4.     If you do not pick up your items request by the end of the business day then items will be re-shelved.

5.     Items should be returned on due date, that date will be available on your receipt provided.  

Additional Library service starts on June 23rd   2020 Designated Hours for Patrons at Higher Risk.    

We will be wearing masks to protect you, Please wear a mask to protect us. 

1.     Designated hours begin for our at-risk community patrons, which are over 65 and with other other health conditions. 

a.     Appointments can be made as follows; this will be by appointments only.

GUIDELINES: Call to set up appointments on Tuesdays between 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm to schedule a Wednesday appointments.  Appointment sessions will last for 30 minutes.  When you arrive please call and let the librarians know you have arrived so they can let you in (doors will be locked, we are still closed to walk ins).   You will Enter through the front door.  We are asking that you wear a mask to protect us; we will have a mask on to protect you.   Hand sanitizer and gloves will be provided on entry.  You will be able to browse books or DVDs, your preference.  When your session is completed you will be doing  self-check  out, librarian will be available to assist.  Due date for returns will be provided by the Librarian on duty.  Returns will go to the drop box at the front entrance to the Library.   We want this to be a good experience and we want you to feel safe.  Please let us know if there is anything we can do to assist you.

Public Computer space will open on June 29th 2020.  This will look different and will be limited to one computer only.  This service will be by appointment also and the hours will be as followsComputer appointments can be made for Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, time on the computer for each appointment will be limited to one hour.  If you need extra time for whatever reason you can request an extension at the end of your session.  If no one else is scheduled, your time can be expanded.  When you arrive please call and let the librarians know you have arrived so they can let you in (doors will be locked, we are still closed to walk ins).   You will enter through the front door.  We are asking that you wear a mask to protect us; we will have a mask on to protect you.   Hand sanitizer   will be provided on entry.  We are utilizing Social Distancing so the expectation is that you remain 6 feet for other patrons and staff, signs will be posted to provide reminders. 

Week of July 6th 2020 Browse by Appointment for the General Public will start this will be by appointment only.  

Library will be open to the public for Browse by appointment only,  this will be only one person at a time.   Appointments can be made Monday thru Friday 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.  Appointments will be 30 sessions during business hours except on Wednesdays and that day is set aside for our high risk patrons. 

Process:  When you arrive please call and let the librarians know you have arrived so they can let you in (doors will be locked, we are still closed to walk ins).   You will enter the building through the front door.  We are asking that you wear a mask to protect us; we will have a mask on to protect you.   Hand sanitizer and gloves will be provided on entry.  You can browse both books and DVDs your preference.  We are utilizing Social Distancing so the expectation is that you remain 6 feet from other patrons and staff, signs will be posted to provide reminders.   When your session is completed you will be doing self-check- out, librarian will be available to assist.  Due date for returns will be provided by the Librarian on duty.  Returns will go to the drop box at the front entrance to the Library.   We want this to be a good experience and we want you to feel safe.  Please let us know if there is anything we can do to assist you.

Curbside services will continue through all phases to assist patrons that are not comfortable making appointments and coming in during General Public Browsing phase.

Some of the other precautions & safety requirements that we will be following:

·              Patrons will be asked to leave immediately if they are experiencing any symptoms of      

       illness as indicated COVID 19 posting.

•          More stringent cleaning/disinfecting procedure for items returned.

•         In accordance with the State Health Department order, all staff will be required to wear a mask.

·             Patrons are expected to wear a mask to protect the staff, signs are posted.

 

·             Health Awareness signs are posted    (STOP THE SPREAD OF GERMS )

 

·             Hand sanitizer and gloves will be provided for in Library browsing appointments.

•          Limited number of patrons in the building at one time, we are utilizing appointments to address that issue (Only one person at a time).   For the safety of children no children under the age of 10 will be allowed to schedule an appointment.  Parents are encouraged to check out books for their children.

•          Plexiglass partitions are in place for the protection of patrons and staff. 

•          We have removed some furniture and equipment to follow safety requirements.

•          We practice safe distancing of 6 feet or greater, we have signs posted.

•          Meeting Room will not be available for patron use at this time.

•          No children’s toys or children’s activities will be available in the library.

•          Sadly, no one on one programs for the foreseeable future.

·              Public restroom and water fountains will be closed to the public until further notice.         

      Staff is aware there may be emergencies that they may need to make exceptions for.   

      Those instances will be on a case by case basis, if there is an emergency situation    

      requiring the opening of a restroom the employee on duty is responsible for completely   

      cleaning and sanitizing the restroom immediately following use by the patron    

      Employee will wear personal protective equipment and thoroughly clean all surfaces

       including sink, toilet,  floor and door handles.

·              No one should be permitted to enter the building, other than staff on duty, other than        

       designated by a scheduled appointment.

The following services will not be available until the Library is open to full services.

          Faxing/Copying services / Notary Services

Further extensions of library opening TBD Note:  This plan will be modified as deemed necessary by the Library President and Board of Trustees.  

The last Phase to be determined dependent on ODH Protocols and Requirements, the tentative plan is September, 2020.

We will resume all programming and services while staying within all guidelines in place and following recommendations from OLC, CDC, ODH, and PCHD.  

 

Thank you for your extra patience as we continue to serve the community while practicing these safe requirements.  The Goal is to keep everyone as safe as possible.  

 

                                                                              WE MISSED YOU!

© New Straitsville Public Library 2020 | 102 East Main Street PO Box 8 New Straitsville, OH 43766