WHEN WILL THE LIBRARY OPEN?
The many questions we’ve received about the Library opening are certainly heartwarming. We’re glad to be providing a service that you’d like to see resume.
The decision to open our library will need to address our local Health District, local library governance (including Library Boards and Town government), the physical characteristics of our buildings and our own staffing levels as well as State-level plans for returning to normal. Our resources may not allow immediately restoring the same levels of service we once provided.
Here are some of the things that need to be addressed before a library can reopen to the public in a way that is safe for both visitors and staff:
-Adequate PPE for library staff and visitors-
-Possible limits on the number of people in the building-
-Possible limits on the amount of time visitors spend here-
-Separation of people using computers or study rooms-
-Redesign or suspension of events that bring in large groups, including children’s summer programs-
-Redesign or adaptation of places where people interact face-to-face, such as check-out desks or reference services-
-Planning to accomplish disinfection of shared surfaces multiple times during each work day-
We are anxious to return to the personal services that brought us to library work as a profession, but we are now challenged by the need to make radical changes that will significantly alter how we serve you, our most respected guests. Before we are ready to open fully, we will continue to help you by phone or e-mail and will initiate and expand no-contact services such as virtual programming and curbside delivery.
While libraries have the State’s permission to open during Stage Two of the reopening plan, we will not open until we have adjusted the environment to make it safe for all.
Please revisit our home page often so you can follow our progress!