Susan Johnson and Jonathan Baez at the Reference Desk at Monroe Free Library behind the new shield. The library will begin offering limited access to patrons starting Monday, July 20. Photo by Alex Carver.
Monroe Free Library will begin offering limited access to patrons beginning on Monday, July 20.
The library will continue to operate with reduced hours: 10 to 3 on weekdays and Saturdays, with the exception of Wednesday, which offers afternoon and evening hours from 3 to 8 p.m.
Masks will be required to enter the library, without exception. Masks must cover both the mouth and nose.
Plastic shields have been installed at each of the public service desks and new sanitation procedures have been implemented.
Social distancing recommendations will be enforced by staff.
No more than 40 people will be allowed in the library at one time.
Communal spaces such as tables, armchairs, study carrels and community rooms will remain closed. Public computer access will be available, but the number of available public computers has been reduced from eight to four to meet social distancing recommendations. To provide fair and equal access, the time limit for computer access will be temporarily reduced from 90 minutes to 60 minutes.
The library closed its doors on April 14. Curbside service began on June 22 and will remain available to those who do not feel comfortable entering the building or who cannot due to immunodeficiency.
Childrens programming will continue to be offered virtually and select adult programs will take place outside beneath a tent.
Visit www.monroefreelibrary.org for more details.