At Governor Beshear’s press conference on May 19, we learned libraries would be allowed to reopen June 8.
This is very exciting news, and we want to be upfront with our community about what this means - and what it doesn’t mean.
The Governor said specific guidelines and building capacity limits would be forthcoming. We don’t know exactly what reopening will look like yet. We do know that it won’t be “business as usual.” There will be new rules, new procedures, and service limitations. Some of these may be temporary, and some may be long term.
Before our closure, it was common for many people to enter our building each day. Patrons touched the same books, computers, newspapers, study tables, bathroom sinks, and other common surfaces. People sat in close quarters in our meeting room to experience a program together. Young children would play with toys and look at books - and then minutes later another child would touch those same books and toys. In an environment designed for people to browse, linger, and share common resources - reopening in the midst of COVID-19 has serious implications.
We’re eager to welcome you back, and we want to do it safely. This will mean we need to go slowly at first. We have a lot to figure out in the coming weeks, and we will be able to make more decisions once additional guidelines are released. You, our valued patrons, will be kept informed all along the way.
In the meantime, we are fine-tuning our new curbside pick-up service and online activities and materials. These will continue even after we reopen.
Thank you for your patience and your support as we navigate this new normal, together.
This is very exciting news, and we want to be upfront with our community about what this means - and what it doesn’t mean.
The Governor said specific guidelines and building capacity limits would be forthcoming. We don’t know exactly what reopening will look like yet. We do know that it won’t be “business as usual.” There will be new rules, new procedures, and service limitations. Some of these may be temporary, and some may be long term.
Before our closure, it was common for many people to enter our building each day. Patrons touched the same books, computers, newspapers, study tables, bathroom sinks, and other common surfaces. People sat in close quarters in our meeting room to experience a program together. Young children would play with toys and look at books - and then minutes later another child would touch those same books and toys. In an environment designed for people to browse, linger, and share common resources - reopening in the midst of COVID-19 has serious implications.
We’re eager to welcome you back, and we want to do it safely. This will mean we need to go slowly at first. We have a lot to figure out in the coming weeks, and we will be able to make more decisions once additional guidelines are released. You, our valued patrons, will be kept informed all along the way.
In the meantime, we are fine-tuning our new curbside pick-up service and online activities and materials. These will continue even after we reopen.
Thank you for your patience and your support as we navigate this new normal, together.