Columbus area libraries to reopen in phases after coronavirus closure. Here’s the plan.
The Chattahoochee Valley Libraries will start reopening next month after closing six weeks ago to help lessen the spread of the deadly coronavirus pandemic.
During a called meeting conducted via videoconference Friday, the Muscogee County Library Board unanimously approved the first two phases of the recommendation from CVL director Alan Harkness.
The plan calls for a gradual reopening, depending on public health criteria and availability of gloves, masks, hand sanitizer and soap.
Staff members would be required to have their temperature taken before each shift, Harkness said. They would be sent home if their temperature is 100.4 degrees or higher, he said.
Phase 1A
CVL’s main branch, the Columbus Public Library, 3000 Macon Road, will be the first of the system’s seven locations to partially reopen May 18.
Only curbside pickup of materials will be available. Items may be reserved on CVL’s website and by calling 706-243-2669. The building will remain closed to the public. After materials are returned, they will be quarantined for four days before being handled by staff.
Operating hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays; 2-8 p.m. Thursdays.
Phase 1B
One week later, all seven CVL branches will reopen, excluding the two 24-hour automated units.
Only curbside pickup of materials will be available. The buildings will remain closed to the public.
Operating hours:
- Columbus Public Library: MTWF 10-4, Th, 2-8
- North Columbus Branch: MTWF 10-4, Th 2-8
- South Columbus Branch: MTThF 10-4, W 2-8
- Mildred L. Terry Branch; MWThF 10-4, T 2-8
- Operating hours for branches in Chattahoochee, Marion and Stewart also will be reduced, but exact times haven’t been determined.
Phase 2
Depending on board approval in June, Phase 1B services would continue, and the seven branch buildings would partially reopen to the public for issuing library cards and limited computer use while following occupancy and health guidelines.
Harkness told the Ledger-Enquirer after the meeting the rest of the four phases toward fully opening would be decided later by the board. Asked when the earliest CVL could return to normal operation, he estimated early July.
In an emailed interview before the meeting, Harkness told the L-E this proposal was prompted by Gov. Brian Kemp’s announcement Monday that stay-at-home restrictions would be eased and some Georgia businesses would be allowed to start reopening Friday.
CVL staff will be required to wear masks and gloves, but it will be optional for patrons, Harkness said.
“Obviously, if our customers are wearing them too, it’s better for the overall public health,” he said. “And many people will have their own. But it is a slippery slope to require it, especially if we cannot provide them for all. That gets expensive really fast.”
Harkness cautioned that the four-day quarantine of returned items could extend into the fall.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if we extended that timeline even further when more conclusive evidence on quarantining library materials becomes available,” he said. “There’s a group out of Columbus, Ohio, which is doing some scientific testing for the larger public library community and we all want that data.”
Since CVL’s phased closings March 15-25, the staff has had limited access to the libraries, Harkness said.
“The only times we’ve been in our buildings have been to meet large deliveries, to reboot technology for home teleworkers and for some deep cleanings,” he said.
Balancing the need to serve the public and protect the health of patrons and staff is key, Harkness said.
“A public library is a very transactional environment, usually very personal,” he said. “A lot of one-on-one or small groups: outreach, storytimes, bookmobile, making meeting spaces available, computer help, checkouts, or just a staff member helping a customer. All of these transactions add up, and with over 2500 people coming into our facilities daily before the pandemic, a public library could be a significant transmission vector in our community.
Meanwhile, patrons have had access to approximately 1 million items for virtual borrowing online. Patrons can apply for an ecard to access the digital collection.
“Our summer reading program has already kicked off, lots of new virtual programming is going on, and we have loads of digital content for people to check out,” Harkness said.
CVL also has daily recorded audio of stories that can be heard in English or Spanish. The Dial-A-Story program is at 706-243-2669, ext. 1.
