LORAIN, Ohio — Ahead of its reopening on June 22, the Lorain Public Library System announced some changes patrons will notice when they visit their local branch, including specific hours for seniors and those with compromised immune systems, contactless pickup and face masks.
Temporary hours will be from 1 to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with an additional timeslot of noon to 1 p.m. Monday through Saturday specifically for seniors and those considered immune-compromised.
Staff and patrons will be required to wear a face mask covering both their mouth and nose for the duration of their time inside the library. The requirement does not apply to children under 2 years old or those who are unable to because of a medical condition.
“We know that some people prefer to not wear a mask, that they question their effectiveness and will find this objectionable, but under the current circumstances, we are choosing to err on the side of caution.” said Jennifer Black, Director of Marketing and Public Relations in a news release.
Curbside pickup and walk-up service will be available at all six branches. Contactless pick up will be available inside each branch. A patron can place an online hold on desired items and when they receive a notice that their hold is available, they will locate their materials under the “Self Holds” pick up section.
“We are quarantining all returned materials for 72 hours, we are asking that when a patron takes an item off a shelf and decides to not check it out, that they place it on a designated cart rather than re-shelve it, we have removed the toys from the children’s areas, we are providing hand sanitizer stations, etc,” says Black.
Public computers will be available for use and will be available to allow for social distancing between patrons. All in-person programs and book sales have been postponed.
