Wiscasset Public Library Reopening June 2 at 11 am.

- Private group -
Tue, 05/19/2020 - 1:45pm

We are all living through a very interesting and challenging time. COVID-19, its effects and how it changed the lifestyles and lives of us all will be remembered and written of in history books. It will be studied and followed. The decisions we make today may be used as examples of how to handle a crisis like this in the future.

What I am learning is how important library access is to each of you. Your notes and calls have touched me. I have also learned how empty it is to work in this building without you. Patrons are the life and soul of the Library and your absence here is sorely felt.

Governor Mills has stated that facilities such as libraries may open beginning June 1. I want to assure you that all the libraries in Maine are involved and working hard to get our check list built and our safety procedures set for the day we can welcome you back. Some libraries may start up with just curbside delivery and letting borrowed items come back. Others may be able to let people in right away. Each library will have to assess its own situation and figure out how to conform to the rules in its building.

Our immediate goals are to provide access to our collection and the internet for our local patrons. Other services (ex: Programs, meetings, etc.) will be reintroduced later, when it is safe to do so. The same is true for interlibrary loans and the reciprocal borrowing programIn preparation for our reopening on Tuesday, June 2, we have started accepting book returns in the Book Return slot. Reminder: items have been extended and are not due back until July 15. Please use your best personal hygiene practices when using the Book Return. Gloves, hand sanitizer and/or sanitizing wipes are recommended when using public handles. The Library staff will also be sanitizing the handle and the returned books. There will be some restrictions to opening the building and some new rules but we will all work together to make this happen in a safe way for everyone involved.

The Library is committed to keeping everyone as safe as possible and to maintaining a healthy space to allow us to stay open. To that end, library patrons can help by following the new requirements while visiting. Together, we can maintain a high standard and protect the community.

  • 10 patrons allowed in building at a time.
  • Children with their parents can avoid the wait at the door by entering at the Children’s Room door on the back of the building. The Children’s Room is allowed to have one family at a time inside.
  • Face covering required and shall be worn while in the building (bring your own).
  • Shall use hand sanitizer immediately upon entering. If you are wearing gloves, use the sanitizer on them.
  • Must be symptom free of any illness for the last two weeks.
  • 30-minute time limit Library visit.
  • Place any item that you touched and are not checking out on one of the tables in the room so they can be added to the quarantine cart.
  • The entire interlibrary loan and reciprocal borrowing systems have been shut down for the present. They will reopen when a majority of libraries can handle the extra workload.
  • No public bathrooms.
  • No Meetings.
  • No donations accepted at this time.
  • Patrons who are non-compliant will be asked to leave the building.

We are grateful for your patience and understanding during this process. We look forward to seeing you very soon.

Best wishes for your safety,

Pam Dunning, Director