Starting August 12, Ilsley Public Library’s Outside Pickup Service (pictured earlier this spring) is moving inside. The new hours will be Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with an additional evening shift on Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The pickup process will remain the same: You request the materials online, receive an email that they are ready, and then come pick them up. The only difference is that instead of picking up the materials in the garden, you will pick them up at the desk in the library lobby.
Given the suppression of community level spread of COVID-19 in Vermont, the library is ready to slowly start reopening its building. Now, when you come to pick up your library materials, you will also be able to browse new adult and teen materials in the library lobby, and new youth materials in the library reference room (the adjacent room with the large bay windows).
There will also be two computers for public access in the reference room. Ilsley is making this change because they’ve heard from many people that browsing new materials and computer access are the library services they miss the most.
To keep library patrons and staff safe, the rest of the library will remain closed to the public for the time being. Only eight patrons will be allowed inside the library at a time, and a library staff member will be facilitating entry at the side door. It is possible there might be a short wait to enter the library. Masks are required for entry, and social distancing is required once inside. If you are not comfortable entering the library, you can call ahead to arrange to pick up your materials outside.
How else can you help to keep the library safe and comfortable? Please do not visit the library if you have flu-like symptoms. There will be hand sanitizer for your use by the side door. Bring your library card so you can use the self-checkout.
Try to keep your time in the library under twenty minutes; if you go over twenty minutes and people are waiting to get in, you might be asked to wrap up your visit promptly. Try to keep computer use to short, simple applications; because we all need to maintain social distance, library staff will not be able to provide computer assistance as usual. Plan ahead so you can limit restroom use in the library. Remember that the library is not currently open as a space to gather and socialize.
In order to prepare the library building to reopen, there will be no Pickup Service on Tuesday, August 11. Indoor Pickup Service will resume Wednesday, August 12, at 11 a.m.
Even though Ilsley is not quite back to business as usual, the library staff is excited to welcome folks back to the Ilsley Public Library. If you have questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to email info@ilsleypubliclibrary.org.
This post came from e-Inklings, the Ilsley Public Library newsletter.