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Harrisburg District Library gearing up for reopening

HARRISBURG - Though Harrisburg District Library has been closed due to COVID-19 safety measures, it is gearing up to reopen some services in a limited fashion, according to library Director/YA Librarian Krystal Gulley.

"Since the library has been closed to the public since March 18, we have been promoting use of our online resources. We have also been providing online story times, ideas for fun activities at home and updates on COVID-19 through our social media accounts," Gulley said. "Librarians have also been working on projects inside the building and providing assistance to patrons who telephoned."

Now that the state is moving into Phase 3 of its reopening plan, the library will once again be able to open for business although things won't return completely back to normal just yet, Gulley said.

Reopening measures include: Tuesday, May 26 - Friday, May 29, a librarian will be in the building from 10am-6pm to provide curbside assistance for needed services. Patrons can call the library at (618) 253-7455 to request assistance. Curbside services that will be available:

Book Check out (Patrons will need to put books on hold through our website or they can call with the titles they would like. Patrons will provide their library card number and the items will be checked out over the phone.)

Copies

Fax

Printing (Patrons can email the documents they need printed to harrisburgdistrictlibrary@gmail.com).

The library has a reopening plan in place that has been approved by the local health department. There are a few guidelines we will need to follow to keep our staff, patrons, and community safe.

The library will reopen to the public on Monday, June 1. We will be open limited hours 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday throughout the month of June.

Patrons are encouraged to continue utilizing the curbside service to limit the number of people who are entering into the building.

Patrons are also encouraged to continue using our outside book return. Returned items are being placed in "quarantine" for 72 hours before being reshelved/available to other patrons.

For patrons who need to enter the building, the library requires that you wear a face covering, use the provided hand sanitizer upon entering, and do not linger for extended periods of time. Once again, these guidelines are in place to protect staff and other patrons.

A limited number of computers spaced at six feet apart will be available for use on a one hour time limit. Computers will be disinfected by staff after each patron use.

Seating in the library has also been spaced out to maintain the six foot social distance guidelines.

Computer stations, circulation desk, copy machine, and seating areas/tables will also be disinfected by staff after patron use.

Until the restriction on gatherings of more than 10 people is lifted, the library will not be holding any of our regular programming. We will try to reschedule already scheduled programs for a later date.

The Summer Reading Program will still go on, but it will look different from in the past. Anyone who would like to participate can pick up a Summer Reading Challenge sheet beginning on June 8 or find one online. Patrons will be challenged to read books, complete fun activities, and tune in to the virtual programming the library will be hosting. We will have programs on Facebook Live such as Trivia Night, Story Time, and more. We will also provide Make and Take Crafts for patrons to enjoy at home. Prizes will be awarded at the end of the program.