Example Library 2 - COVID-19 Reopening Plan

Example Library 2 - COVID-19 Reopening Plan

*All identifying information has been redacted from this document so that it can be shared publicly. Any location names have been replaced with “Montana.”

MONTANA PUBLIC LIBRARY STAGED APPROACH TO SERVICES DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC:

STAGE 3:   

Library is closed to the public.  Custodians maintain building and grounds.  All other staff work remotely.  Library provides service through telephone and online means.  Phone is staffed Monday through Friday 9:00 to 5:00.  Youth programing is offered online via recorded Storytime and Toddler Time.  Other programming is suspended.  Staff continue to stock Little Free Libraries.  Library suspends taking returns.  Library provides unlimited renewals on items and does not charge late fees.

WiFi is boosted to reach into parking lot and across plaza. 

STAGE 3 instituted when Governor or other governing official declares shelter-in place emergency.

STAGE 2: 

Library is closed to the public.  Staff have staggered work schedules and are required to practice social distancing while at the Library.  Staff who are medically vulnerable are asked to work remotely.  Library provides curb side service for persons to pick-up holds.  Library provides service through telephone and online means.  Phone is staffed Monday through Friday 9:00 to 5:00.  Youth programing is offered online via recorded Storytime and Toddler Time.  Other programming is suspended.  Staff continue to stock Little Free Libraries.  Library accepts item returns.  Items are quarantined for at least 72 hours and then disinfected before being checked-in.  Library provides unlimited renewals on items and does not charge late fees.

STAGE 2 instituted when Governor or other governing official declares a public health emergency, but is not requiring the public to shelter-in-place.   

STAGE 1: 

Library is open to the public (possibly limited hours depending on staffing).  Staff have staggered work schedules and are required to practice social distancing while at the Library.  Staff who are medically vulnerable are asked to work remotely.  Library provides curb side service for persons to pick-up holds in addition to regular reference and circulation services.  (Signage is developed to encourage patrons to remain six feet apart.)   Youth programing is offered online via recorded Storytime and Toddler Time.  Other programming is suspended.  Staff continue to stock Little Free Libraries.  Library accepts item returns.  Bookmobile service is reinstated in stages based on staffing availability and requests of organizations being served as nursing homes may still not allow visitors.  Meeting room use is suspended except for persons using the rooms as solitary study spaces. 

Director is given discretion on a timeline to lift restrictions on the following:

·         Suspend Use of the Online Public Access Computers (OPAC)

·         Remove Toys from Kids Place

·         Restrict Computer Access to Allow Cleaning

·         Suspend Library Volunteer Service

·         Close the Montana Room and Genealogy Society

·         Suspend InterLibrary Loan Service

STAGE 1 instituted when Governor or other governing official lifts the public health emergency declaration, but still urges the public to avoid groups.