Bartlett Public Library to open with modifications
On Tuesday, May 26, the board of trustees approved a plan to begin reopening the Bartlett Public Library District.
The plan outlined proposed stages for the building to reopen when the current stay at home order in Illinois is lifted. In each of those phases was a summary of what library services would be available.
Starting on June 1, the library will begin Phase 1. Anticipated date is contingent upon the current stay at home order being lifted on May 30.
Phase 1 entails the training of library staff on new safety procedures and making preparations for when the building will be open to the public. During this time, the public may return their library materials to the book drop. This is the only method for which library materials will be accepted at this time.
After the library begins accepting returned materials, those items will be quarantined for one week once they have been dropped off. This time frame comes from reports such as "National Center for Preservation Technology and Training" and the "Journal of Hospital Infection," which lay out how long the virus can live on various surfaces.
Since items are being quarantined, they will remain on a patron's account throughout that time. Once a week has passed, materials will be checked in. Fines will not be applied.
Starting on June 8, the library will begin Phase 2. Anticipated date is contingent upon the current stay at home order being lifted on May 3.
Phase 2 entails the library building being open to the public on a partial scale. Patrons will be able to place holds on items and then enter the building to pick them up during an adjusted operating schedule: 5 to 9 p.m. Monday and Tuesday; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday; and 1 to 5 p.m. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
With the library being accessible to the public during these times, there will be safety guidelines for patrons to follow, such as:
• Patrons are asked to comply with the governor's directive to wear face coverings within the library building.
• Use of the self-checkout machines will be required, so patrons will need to have their physical library card in hand.
• Patrons will be required to maintain social distancing.
• Materials must continue to be returned to the drop box. If patrons are already going inside the building to pick up items, then they may utilize a specified bin within the building to make returns as well. Staff will not accept returned materials by hand.
• For the safety of the public and staff, patrons who don't feel well are asked to not visit.
During Phase 2, the same guideline applies for quarantining returned materials. They will be quarantined for one week once they have been dropped off, remaining on a patron's account throughout that time. The materials will be checked in after that, and fines will not be applied.
Once the library's Phase 2 begins, it is not known how long it will last. Contingent upon the Restore Illinois Plan, the library will continue to reopen in phases.
For the time being, programs will continue to be offered via online platforms, patrons may sign up for eCards at www.bartlettlibrary.org, and physical donations will not be accepted.
To find out the latest updates, make sure to follow the Bartlett Public Library District on social media, sign up for their e-newsletter or check out their website.