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The COVID 19 virus has had an unprecedented impact on libraries and the communities they serve. We are all greatly concerned about the impact that COVID-19 is having in our state, nation, and world and want to take every precaution to help prevent its spreading. We want to make every effort to keep ourselves and communities as safe as possible. As we all know, the spread of the virus is rapid, and the approach is to attempt to slow down its spread. We have all been following local, state, and national news as it breaks and will continue to do so. We are in touch with the health departments NWRL Board, State Library, and other public libraries in the state and will continue to keep everyone updated.
The primary consideration in this plan is maintaining the safety of library patrons and staff while finding ways to provide necessary services that the library is uniquely positioned to perform.
The following items have all been taken into account and addressed in each phase of reopening:
- Entrance and Exit into the Building
- Holds pickup
- Materials Handling
- Checkouts
- Programs
- Bookmobile
- Outreach Visits
- Internet Access
- Technology Help
All phases and procedures will be reviewed regularly by the Region Administration and Regional Board, updated as needed, and subject to change.
The phased reopening plan is based on the Phased reopening of North Carolina as outlined by Governor Cooper. The dates for each phase will be determined by the guidance of state and local health officials as well as the CDC and the governor’s phased reopening plan.
During Phases 1 and 2 while the libraries remain closed to the public, staff should be making preparations to Reopen to the Public:
- Libraries will be cleaned and organized including public and work areas
- Prepare for practicing social distancing at all times
- Post safety signage, mark 6’ spaces at circ desk
- Rearrange furniture for public and staff for social distancing
- Prepare cleaning supplies for staff and public
- Inventory and weeding completed
- New book displays
All Phases
- Improved hygiene procedures for cleaning and disinfecting common areas.
- Allowing staff to wear protective gear such as masks and gloves while handling books administering public services.
- Continuing to allow teleworking for immunocompromised staff.
- Encourage self-monitoring of staff for the virus as well as self temperature checking before coming to work. Staff will stay home if they are sick or have a fever.
- Signage and plans should be in place to encourage the most vulnerable populations to limit their time in the community and/or allow for service hours that accommodate their needs more specifically.
Phase 1 – May 13
Governor’s original Stay at home order ends, staff returns to library
- Public announcement to begin returning books, other items as book drops will be open. However, materials returned should be quarantined for 72 hours before being checked in or being handled by staff without gloves.
- Entrance to the building will be restricted to staff. No holds pick ups will take place.
- Checkouts are limited to electronic (online) services.
- Only virtual programs would be allowed.
- Outreach visits (including bookmobile) and programs will not occur.
- The Library will promote wifi at its locations for use outside the building.
- Technology help will be available over the phone, through email, through webforms and chat.
- Courier service will begin for new materials and sharing within NWRL.
Phase 2 – TBA Late May
Curbside Service Begins
- Staff can enter and exit the building to obtain materials and work with members of the public on a curbside basis using appropriate distancing procedures and personal protective equipment.
- Curbside pickup will be instituted with strong limits on staff contact. Essential services could be offered on an appointment only basis by curbside service, such as applying for unemployment insurance, obtaining social services, and applying for jobs to maintain unemployment insurance or to obtain income if adequate protective measures can be put into place.
- Book drops open. However, materials returned should be quarantined for 72 hours before being checked in or being handled by staff without gloves.
- Only virtual programs would be allowed during this phase.
- Bookmobile services resume. No patrons on the bookmobile.
- Outreach visits and programs should not occur.
- Technology help will be available over the phone, through email, through webforms and chat and on a limited curbside basis in cases where social distancing can be maintained.
- Courier service will continue for new materials and sharing within NWRL.
Phase 3 ~ TBA in June (date subject to change)
Limited opening to the public
- Staff resumes desk functions with a limited number of people based on state guidelines in the building with staff monitoring. Separate morning hours for vulnerable populations will be implemented.
- Normal hold pickup can take place using self-checkouts and staff assistance, but limits will be imposed on entrance and exit to the building as well as increased hygiene procedures.
- Checkouts will occur with safety precautions in place such as counter shields, masks, all while practicing social distancing. Self checkouts will be used if available, though self check stations with frequent disinfecting. Floors will be marked with 6’ intervals for patrons.
- Bookmobile services continue. No patrons on the bookmobile.
- Small gatherings outside may be considered depending on state guidelines.
- Maintain recommended social distancing every other computer should either be removed or put out of order and disinfected between uses.
- Resource sharing within NC Cardinal will begin and courier service will continue.
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Helpful Links
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