The Jefferson public library board of trustees has set the date of Monday, July 6, to re-open the library. The library has been closed since March 18 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The library will be open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons. “We look forward to welcoming everyone back to the library,” said library director Jane Millard. “Hours and services will be somewhat limited as we make a gradual return to ‘normal’ operations. Librarians will be available to help find and retrieve materials from areas that may have limited access.”
Recommended safety precautions will be in place. “Open hours will be limited and space will be limited, so for right now, we are asking people to keep their visit to the library brief so that others may also have time to come in to use the library,” explained Millard. A mask or face covering is required to enter the building. The public restrooms will be closed. “Keeping yourself healthy will help keep our community healthy. If you are not feeling well, please stay home or ask for home delivery.”
During the three months the library was closed to foot traffic, the library continued to offer access to library materials through curbside pickup and home delivery. Librarians filled more than 750 requests for books, movies, magazines and puzzles. “We recognize that some people may not feel ready or safe visiting a public building yet,” said Millard. Library staff will continue to offer curbside pickup and home delivery service until regular hours resume and the health risk has diminished. Patrons can continue to call or email the library with book and movie requests. Curbside pickup will be available weekdays after 9 am.
Parents are reminded of the library board’s unattended children policy: Children under the age of 7 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult. “It is very important for children to have books to read over the summer, so please come see us at the library or call and we will gather children’s books for curbside pickup,” said library assistant director and children’s librarian Terry Clark.
Summer reading programs for both children and teens have started and there is still plenty of time to register and participate. “Because we are not able to get together at the library for programs this summer, we have planned some amazing online events for the summer reading programs,” Clark added. Parents and children 7 or older can call or stop by the library to register and get a reading and activity packet for the summer reading programs. The children’s activity areas and library meeting room are closed.
Use of the public computers will be limited to 45 minutes so the workstations may be cleaned between uses. Fewer computers will be available to allow for distance between users. “We encourage anyone needing to use a computer to call and make a reservation to insure a computer will be available,” said Millard. The library will continue to provide free 24/7 wireless access in the parking areas. The Kodak photo kiosk, photocopier, FAX, scanner, notary public and inter-library loan services will be available when the library is open.
Patrons can download eBooks from the Bridges website to read on their own device. The Bridges virtual library collection has books for all ages that can be downloaded free with a JPL library card. Get started by using the link to Bridges on the Library website at www.jefferson.lib.ia.us.
The length of time books and movies could be checked out was extended and no overdue fees were charged while the library has been closed. “We will return to the normal checkout times and overdue fines in August,” said Millard. Books and other items should be returned in the book return on the west side of the building. These items will be cleaned and quarantined before being returned to the shelves.
The library trustees recognize the importance of the library and its services to the community. The health and safety of the community and the library staff have been their highest priority. They thanked the public for their understanding during this time.
