Staff of the Knowlton Library Tuesday expressed excitement at the chance to assist patrons inside the library building once again, and to resume more of the interactions that bring joy to their profession.
Each of the Logan County Libraries opened Monday with limited building access, for the first time since the mandated closures in mid-March as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
“It has been a very good week,” Executive Director Judy Goodrich said. “While we have offered curbside services recently and have been able to interact with the public that way, it has been so nice to have the patrons inside the library again and to have things a little bit back to normal.
“Our very first patron on Monday told us, ‘I love you guys, and I am so happy to be here.’ When she left after picking out her books she said, ‘This is like Christmas.’”
Goodrich related that the Logan County Libraries now provides express library service, or timed library visits for 30 minutes or less for patrons to browse library materials. Computer appointments also can be made for a one-hour session per day.
When patrons enter the library, they will have their temperature checked and masks are strongly encouraged, with masks available for those who do not have one. Library staff also will be wearing masks, along with their own daily temperature check.
Plexiglass shields have been installed around the public service desks to create a safe environments for the community and staff, the executive director noted.
“Library staff are available to answer questions and to help you,” she said. “Thank you for your patience and understanding as we put these safety procedures in place.
“We also ask anyone who is sick to stay home and visit the library another day.”
Hand sanitizing stations also have been set up around the library for easy access.
While browsing items, patrons also are asked to return books that they have touched but do not want to check out to designated tables located around the library.
Building capacity is limited to 20 patrons at the Knowlton Library, three patrons in DeGraff, two patrons in Lakeview, two patrons in Rushsylvania, four patrons in West Liberty and three patrons in West Mansfield branch to maintain a physical distance. Patrons under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Faxing and copying services are offered, but the meeting room at the Knowlton Library is not currently available.
Instead of taking return items into the library, all library items should be returned to the outdoor book return and the staff will continue to quarantine all returned library materials.
The library also cannot accept book donations at this time, representatives said.
The curbside service also continues in all locations, where patrons can pick up reserved items, summer fun kits, and send faxes or make copies.
Goodrich related that the majority of library programming will continue to be virtual, including story time at 10 a.m. Wednesdays on Facebook. However, several upcoming book discussion groups will be hosting sessions outdoors at Mary Rutan Park.
The summer fun kits include adventurer kits for grades K-6, and little adventurer kits for ages 0-6, along with kits for families.
At the Knowlton Library, 220 N. Main St., summer hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday. Call branch locations in DeGraff, Lakeview, Rushsylvania, West Liberty and West Mansfield for their revised open hours.
During the first opening hour, the library encourages that time to be reserved for seniors and vulnerable patrons.
For more information, visit the library website www.logancountylibraries, especially to see all the virtual programs available, or call (937) 599-4189.