Library to reopen here next week
RANDOLPH — With restrictions slowly lessening for the public in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, area libraries are slowly getting into the mix of getting back on their feet.
In Randolph, the Lied Public Library will open with restrictions June 1.
Only 10 people will be allowed in at one time and will have to maintain a six-foot distance between one another, according to Peggy Leiting, Randolph’s library director, who added they encourage no lingering in the library and if anyone feels more comfortable picking up books, library staff can set out books or deliver as needed.
The library will be open from 9-10 a.m., for the more vulnerable and older patrons, along with the regular hours, said Leiting.
Despite the closure, people have still been utilizing the digital services of the library, Leiting said.
“Our circulation numbers have remained relatively consistent,” Leiting said. “I don’t know if there was an up-tick, but I would imagine our online books went up.”
In Laurel, the Community Learning Center has been closed since the school system was shut down due to the pandemic.
The library is a joint partnership between the City of Laurel and LCC School District.
“The current plan is for the library to re-open on June 1 as health directive restrictions continue to be relaxed across our state,” said Laurel-Concord-Coleridge Supt. Jeremy Christensen. “There will, of course, be local restrictions including the use of social distancing practices, increased levels of disinfection practices, etc.
Christensen said in the absence of the physical library, more people have taken advantage of digital offerings.
“We do know that there was an increased level of interest in our library’s online and digital resources during the closure,” he said.
The Hartington Public Library re-opened its doors to the public Tuesday.
The Hartington library had only been accessible for drive up book pickup, since the COVID-19 guidelines were first announced back in March.
“We welcome back all of our patrons and thank you for your support during this time,” said director Tami Anderson.“We ask that only one family member come at a time, in order to maintain the CDC 10-person rule. Returned material should continue to be placed in the outside book-drop (back entrance) before entering the library, and not returned to the circulation desk.”
The Hartington facility had only been accessible for drive up book pickup since mid-March.
The Hartington library is open 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mondays – Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays and 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays.
Even though the physical library is again open, Anderson said the Hartington library will continue to offer digital materials.
“We will continue to offer our digital services thru Nebraska Overdrive and our book request service phone/text and email/ citylibrary@hartel.net for those that don’t feel comfortable entering our building,” Anderson said. “Additional safety measures include a hand sanitizer station, and the quarantining of material. Please social distance especially at the circulation desk. The public restrooms will not be available.”
Children ages 7-16 will be able to come into the library to search and check out books but will be encouraged not to stay. The computer lab will be unavailable for those under 18, unless they are with a tutor.
“The computer lab will be open for adults with time limits, if necessary,” Anderson said. “Users will be asked to maintain distance from one another. We ask that you wipe down keyboards after usage.”
Disinfectant wipes will be provided and currently staff assistance for help accessing sites will not available. Printing services will be available.
