The Library has been offering in-person materials pick up since July, and many of you have wondered when you might be able to browse for books. We’re ready to start Step 1 in our plan for opening up more of the collection to our patient—and eager—patrons. Starting Monday, August 31, book shelves in the main circulation area will be open for browsing. New fiction, non-fiction, mysteries and sci-fi, along with some AV materials and new juvenile and YA titles will be accessible, and we’ll also have a book case with featured book selections put together by the staff. As with prior phases in our resumption of in-person services, we’ll be starting slowly so that all the staff--and patrons--have time to master the protocols and procedures we've put in place to keep everyone safe. It’s very important for all of us to remember that in order to make this system work, we will need your help and cooperation.
What to expect:
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Starting Monday, August 31, the browsing option will be available, from noon to 4:00 p.m. on weekdays.
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Only four patrons at a time will be allowed inside the room.
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Patrons may have 15 minutes to browse.
- Patrons will be expected to wear their masks and to use the hand sanitizer upon entry to greatly minimize the risk of any pathogens being transferred to the books they handle.
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Patron flow will be marked with signage.
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Patrons who wish to browse materials will be directed to the right side of the room and will practice social distancing with the aid of the floor stickers.
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Patrons who are simply picking up or requesting materials can go directly to the left-side circulation desk.
- A volunteer will sit on the patio for the first week of this newly-resumed service to inform visitors what to expect.
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The one-way path through the building will be maintained.
- After your transaction is completed, you will be directed to exit from the building by going up the stairs to the Kirkman room and out the emergency exit. At the exit is another touchless hand sanitizing station that you are welcome to use.
- Patrons are welcome to print from their mobile devices.
- Staff cleaning protocols will be adapted to include this updated service.
What NOT to expect:
- Access to the Children's Room, Lower Level, Kirkman Room stacks, Art Room or bathrooms.
- Reading newspapers or magazines on-site.
- Using the public computer stations or using your own laptop inside the building (but you can send a print job from the patio!). Patrons will not be able to linger inside the building after their circulation transaction is over.
- Photocopying and scanning.
Important safety notes:
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As we are not using the wheelchair lift at this time, and exiting the building will require climbing up a short set of stairs to the Kirkman Room and down stairs from the Emergency Exit, we ask that patrons with limited mobility use our Curbside or Homebound services. We apologize for this situation and will do our best to get you your materials as conveniently as possible.
- Safety is paramount; if a patron refuses to comply with our safety protocols, including wearing a mask, using the hand sanitizer and practicing social distancing, we will be forced to close the Library to public access again. We ask that you use our Curbside service if you are unwilling or unable to follow our protocol. Thank you!
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CIRCULATION DESK PICKUP:
You can read our earlier letter detailing our Circulation Desk Pickup service HERE.
CURBSIDE PICKUP & RETURNS:
Our Curbside Pickup service is continuing, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You will be called when your materials are ready, and you can come any time that day during service hours.
You can read our earlier letter detailing our Curbside service HERE. One important change: Delivery has resumed on a limited basis, so you can place holds on items from other libraries, not just Cotuit.
RETURNS
Our book drop is open 24-7, and a cart is also available for returns weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. if you do not feel comfortable using the book drop. Staff are wiping the book drop handle with sanitizer regularly, but patrons should always remember to sanitize or wash their hands as soon as possible after coming in contact with communal surfaces.
We ask that patrons returning items wear masks and maintain social distancing, waiting others to finish their returns/pickups before proceeding with their own. We also ask patrons NOT to drop off book donations--the Friends are not yet working in the building, and we cannot process and store donations at this time.
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Don't forget to sign up for our weekly eNewsletter so you can find out the latest news, updates to our services, virtual programming, readers’ advisory and more. We look forward to seeing the smile in your eyes and saying hello in person!
Sincerely,
Antonia Stephens
Library Director
