Libraries plan for partial reopening
With the state’s Safer At Home order no longer in effect, local libraries have announced their plans for limited services and hours.
Dorchester Public Library
Starting June 1, Mondays from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Dorchester Public Library will be reserved for elderly patrons. Face masks will be required.
The library will be open to the general public on Mondays, from 3 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. and Fridays, from 1 to 5 p.m.
The following restrictions will be in place:
_ Visits will be limited to 15 minutes, so patrons are urged to “pick-up and go.”
_ Up to nine patrons at one time
_ Social distancing
_ Two computers will be available for 15 minutes of use
_ All toys, puzzles, plush animal unavailable for use
_ The back room will be available for groups of two only, 15 minutes only.
Library staff will be using sanitizing wipes and spray on the bathrooms, door handles and tables before opening ever day. The circulation desk will be sanitized at least hourly.
The computers at least daily – will cover keyboard/mouse (sign for customers – use at your own risk) There will be no in-house programming through June.
Abbotsford Public Library
The Abbotsford Public Library will be re-opening with reduced hours and social distancing procedures starting Monday, June 1.
The library building will be open on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The first hour of operation, 10 a.m. -11 a.m., will be reserved for at risk populations.
Curbside pick-up of library materials will continue on Tuesdays, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. The library will be closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Time limits have been set for library use. Library browsing and check-out of materials should be limited to 15 minutes. Five public computers will be available for non-leisure use for an hour. Study rooms will also have an hour limit, and will be limited to two persons per room.
All lounge chairs, toys, puzzles, and puppets will be unavailable for use.
To maintain safe social distancing the library is asking patrons to keep six feet apart and will have a max occupancy of 22 patrons at one time.
Patrons will be asked to use hand sanitizer immediately upon entering and before using the computers.
Children under 12 need to be accompanied by an adult.
Patrons who are unwell are asked to stay home.
There will also be no in-house programming at this time. A summer reading challenge will still be held with online reading logs available using the Beanstack reading app.
The library’s procedures were formed using the Clark County Health Department COVID-19 Library Recommendations and Guidance form. The procedures will be re-evaluated each month and are subject to modification at any time with changes in current health conditions, government guidelines and library discretion.
“We are grateful for your patience and understanding during this process,” said library director Jenny Jochimsen. “We look forward to seeing you very soon.”
Colby Community Library
The Colby Community Library (CCL) will increase curbside pickup hours in June. Curbside pickups will be on Tuesdays from 1-4 p.m. on June 2, 9, 16 and 23 and Thursdays, from 3 to 6 p.m. on June 4, 11, 18 and 25.
To request items: 1. Go to the Colby Community Library Website’s V-Cat Link (online catalog) to order materials or 2. Email director@colbypubliclibrary. org with desired items or 3. Call 715-223-2000 and follow directions for leaving a message about your requests.
You can request specific items or let the library staff choose at batch for you. The library will contact you to schedule a pick up time on either Tuesday or Thursday when your materials are ready.
The CCL building will remain closed. Book drops are open for returns. Items are quarantined for 72 hours and covers sanitized before being checked in.
If you are checking your account online, remember that there is this lag time before items will show as being returned.
Since the CCL’s summer reading programs in the past attracted extremely large numbers of participants and attendees, the library is saving its “Imagine Your Story” program ideas for 2021 due to COVID-19 precautions.
Youth and their families are encouraged to use curbside pickup during June to obtain reading materials to help maintain reading levels and prevent “summer slide” in reading abilities.
Welcome back promotions, based on CCL’s year-long theme of “Focus on 2020,” are being designed for all ages when the library reopens.
The CCL adult movie and book challenges are continuing. Staff can assist in selecting books and movies and have them ready for curbside pickup to help you complete the challenges.
Plans are being developed to safely reopen on Monday, June 29. Open days and hours will be modified to allow for necessary sanitation procedures.
Watch for details on the CCL website, Facebook page and the Tribune-Phonograph and Central Wisconsin Shopper.
