Thursday, June 25th, 2020
Mercer libraries prepared to reopen
From staff reports
CELINA - All four Mercer County District Library locations will reopen with normal hours of operation on Wednesday, following guidance from the Ohio and Mercer County departments of health.
Patrons are asked reserve the first hour of the day for at-risk community members, including individuals 65 years and older and those with underlying medical conditions. Curbside pickup will still be available through the online curbside pickup form or by calling the library to schedule an appointment.
Meeting room reservations are not being accepted at this time. However, library personnel will continue to offer virtual programs, book clubs and book recommendations on the library's Facebook page.
Library officials ask patrons to observe the following precautions:
• Maintain social distancing and keep at least 6 feet away from other people.
• Use the hand sanitizer available upon entering the building before handling any library materials.
• Use curbside pickup service in lieu of coming into the library if they or someone with whom they live is sick.
• Patrons also are strongly encouraged to wear a face covering or mask.
A limited number of computers will be available for patron use with a 60-minute time limit, and a limited number of patrons will be allowed in the library at one time to comply with social-distancing guidelines. Visitors are asked to limit their time in the library to 30 minutes, unless using a public computer.
Following safety protocols, all employees will,
• wear face coverings when interacting with the public.
• have their temperatures checked daily as part of daily health assessments, allowing them to self-evaluate if they are well.
• sanitize and wash their hands frequently.
• clean and sanitize workplaces and frequently touched surfaces throughout the day.
Materials returned to the library will be quarantined for 72 hours. People should allow extra time for items to be checked in and removed from patron accounts.
