When Can We Come Back Inside the Library? A Message to Our Patrons
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues beyond the one-year mark, we know that many of you are anxious to get back inside the library for the purpose of browsing our shelves. With the number of COVID-19 cases in Union County finally starting to go down, we are almost ready to start setting up 30 minute appointments for residents of Springfield to come inside the library to browse, even as we continue to offer curbside pickup appointments for those who want them.
As long as conditions continue to improve, we are looking at a start date of Monday, May 17, for inside browsing; library staff will begin accepting appointments on Thursday, May 12, for 30-minute browsing sessions. Please note that the number of patrons allowed inside the library to browse at any one time will be kept to a limit of ten and that the following rules and conditions will apply;
Anyone ages 2 & up must wear a facemask that covers their mouth and nostrils during the entire time that they are inside the library; no exceptions will be made for vaccination status.
Temperatures will be taken upon entering the library; anyone with a temperature registering above 99.00 degrees Fahrenheit will be asked to leave.
Library patrons must maintain at least a six feet distance between themselves and other members of the public and library staff; social distancing is not required between members of the same household
Children under the age of 14 will not gain admittance to the library unless they are accompanied by a parent or other responsible adult.
Library restrooms will remain closed.
Toys, puzzles, games, puppets and computers will not be available for use in the children's department at the present time.
The library's photocopier, public printer and public fax machine will be available on a self-service basis only; please make sure to bring coins or small bills with you as the library may not have enough change on hand to provide change for anything larger than a $5.00 bill.
We ask for your understanding in accepting these restrictions. The library is currently working with a reduced number of staff members as the result of requested cuts to scheduled hours as well as the resignations and retirements of several employees whose positions have remained vacant while the pandemic has continued. While somewhat mitigating the effects of recent cuts to the library's operating budget, the reduced number of staff members currently on our roster makes it difficult for the library to offer inside browsing access while also continuing to offer a robust curbside pickup service. We have started the hiring process and as our staffing levels increase, we will expand the number of hours that we will be able to welcome our patrons back inside our building.
If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Library Director Dale Spindel at [email protected] or by calling 973 376-4930, ext. 227.
ReplyForward