SPL to reopen with limited service October 5
With continued monitoring of pandemic developments, careful planning, and many implemented changes, SPL will reopen buildings with limited access and modified services on October 5, 2020. Though library service will still be very different than when SPL doors were last open, we are excited for this next step. Library services and access remain contingent upon current pandemic developments at all times. Please help us keep everyone safe and adhere to our new guidelines when visiting the library.
No-contact holds pickup by appointment will end after Saturday, October 3, replaced by self-service pickup anytime during open hours. You will no longer need to call to schedule a time to pick up holds.
SPL will offer limited access and modified services as described below while the county health alert level remains Orange. SPL intends to expand services and access once the alert is downgraded to yellow but will move back to a no-contact service model should the county return to Red. We thank you for your continued support and understanding as we continue to work to keep our community safe.
Limited Reopening Services
In-person services available beginning October 5 (Alert Level Orange)
- Self-service holds pickup (replaces pickup by appointment; you will no longer need to call to schedule a time to pick up holds)
- Limited browsing
- Limited computer use by appointment
- Print, Copy, Scan, Fax
- Returns
Hours of Service
- MON, TUE, FRI, & SAT: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- WED & THU: 12:00 p.m. – 7 p.m.
- SUN: Closed
Masks or face coverings that cover the mouth and nose are required while in the building for all visitors above age 2. The library will provide a mask if you do not have one.
Service Details
Self-Service Holds Pickup: Beginning October 5, you will be able to come in and pick up holds yourself anytime during open hours from the regular holds shelves. This replaces no-contact holds pickup by appointment.
Limited browsing: Patrons will be able to browse a limited, curated collection of materials as well as new books. Stacks (aisles) remain closed for browsing at this time. Staff will be available to assist with finding and retrieving titles from shelves.
Computers: Computers are available by appointment only and sessions are limited to one, 1-hour session per patron per day. Please call Grove City ext. 503 or Westland ext. 603 to schedule. Computer stations will be sanitized between users.
Print, Copy, Scan, Fax: Patrons will have access to copy, scan, and fax. Remote printing (sending items to print via your laptop or mobile device) will continue to be offered. Please be aware library computer access is by appointment only.
Returns: Returns will continue to be accepted during open hours. Please use the marked bins or outdoor bookdrops. Bookdrops are closed outside of service hours to prevent overflow.
Grab & Go: We will continue to offer Book Bundles as well as Storytime Kits for checkout. Grab a surprise book bundle during open hours or fill out a form to have a bundle put together just for you. Storytime Kits can be reserved online or through Youth Services.
Programming: Programming will continue to be offered virtually or as take-home kits until gatherings are safe again.
*Patrons who are at high risk and unable to come into the library may contact the library for assistance.*
What to Expect
We’re excited to see you. To help us keep the library safe for everyone, when visiting we ask you to:
- Wear a mask appropriately (covering your mouth and nose) when in the building
- Keep visits short to help us maintain low occupancy while allowing all an opportunity to visit
- Maintain appropriate social distance and follow signage and directional markings
- Refrain from moving furniture and equipment
For the continued safety of patrons and staff, seating is limited and the following remain unavailable:
- Meeting rooms, study rooms, quiet reading room
- Notary service
- Youth Services toys and interactive manipulatives
Checkout
We highly encourage self-checkout and bringing your card so that you can just scan the barcode without needing to touch the screen for manual entry. We have temporarily disabled the PIN requirement to help minimize contact. Hand sanitizer as well as access to soap and water will be readily available, and staff will be cleaning and sanitizing high-contact areas regularly.
Materials Quarantine
Returns will continue to be quarantined for at least 96 hours before being checked in, removed from a patron’s account, and made available to other patrons. SPL is fine-free, so patrons will not accrue overdue fines. This quarantine practice is in accordance with results from the REALM study conducted by Battelle which studied the longevity of the COVID-19 virus on common library materials.
FAQs
Access: When will access expand?
Safety remains our priority. SPL plans to expand service and access once the county’s health alert level drops to Yellow; a return to full “normal” services cannot be predicted and will be implemented cautiously according to pandemic developments.
Holds: Why are my holds taking so long?
We are working to get items to you as quickly as possible. Hold times may be increased due to transport and quarantine procedures. All items going out for holds will be quarantined for 96 hours before being made available for pickup. This four-day quarantine is in accordance with the REALM study conducted by Battelle which studied the longevity of the COVID-19 virus on common library materials.
Hours: Why are hours limited?
Our hours are temporarily adjusted in order to be able to provide service safely within staffing, budget, and safety constraints.
We’ve re-worked our staffing so that should a staff member test positive for COVID-19, we can avoid quarantining the entire staff and disrupting service to patrons. We also require more time to thoroughly clean and disinfect each day to keep everyone safe.
Sunday hours are currently cut due to cuts in Public Library Funding (PLF) from the state. The PLF provides the majority of SPL funding, and SPL has cut all staff hours by 10% and enacted a hiring freeze to help make up some of this deficit. Sunday hours will be restored once funding is restored.
Meeting Rooms/Study Rooms: Why are the meeting and study rooms closed?
Meeting rooms and study rooms are closed in order to support social distancing and reduce possible virus transmission. Additionally, meeting rooms are unavailable as they are being used long-term to quarantine returned items for at least 96 hours before they are made available to patrons. Study rooms are unavailable at this time as we are unable to fully disinfect each room after each use.
Programming: When will you have in-person programming again?
We will continue to offer all programming virtually or as take-home kits until gatherings are safe again.
Returns: When and where can I return my items?
Returns are accepted in the marked bins or in outdoor bookdrops during open hours. Bookdrops are closed outside of these hours in order to make sure items do not overflow the return bins.
Returns: I returned my books. Why are they still on my account?
For safety, returned materials will be quarantined for at least 96 hours before being checked in and removed from your account. SPL is fine free, so you will not accrue overdue fines. See ‘Materials Quarantine’ for more info.
Safety measures: What safety measures is the library taking to protect patrons’ health?
The safety and health of our patrons and staff remain our priority. SPL has implemented many measures including changing layouts and service practices to support social distancing and minimize contact, increasing sanitizing and disinfecting of high-contact areas, and following materials quarantine practices as recommended by results from the REALM study conducted by Battelle. Staff have been trained in proper sanitizing and disinfecting methods and are required to wear masks or face shields when working.
Seating: Where’s all the tables and seating?
To keep the library safe for everyone and support social distancing, we’ve temporarily limited or rearranged seating. Please do not move any equipment or furniture.
