The Office of Commonwealth Libraries has released the Framework for Reopening Libraries as a guide for public libraries in Pennsylvania during the COVID-19 Crisis. The McKean County Libraries are committed to providing patrons continued expanded access to online collections, virtual resources, and safe access to physical library materials. Bradford Area Public Library, Hamlin Memorial Library, and S.W. Smith Memorial Public Library are pleased to offer their patrons Library To-Go curbside or window service beginning Tuesday.
The library book drops are open! Returned library materials must be quarantined for three days and then sanitized before returning to circulation. Patrons will be limited to five checked-out library materials per library account to aid in the current quarantine and sanitation process. The libraries ask that patrons hold their physical library materials donations at home until a later date. Books, DVDs, audio books, and other physical library materials donated for library circulation or book sales are appreciated, but will not be accepted at this time due to the quarantine and sanitation process.
Patrons will be able to contact their library to make library material requests via phone call or through online services such as email or Google Forms. Once the patron’s request is processed, library staff will call the patron to arrange a scheduled pick-up time of the library materials through Library To-Go curbside (Bradford Area Library) or window (Hamlin Memorial Library and S.W. Smith Memorial Public Library) service. In accordance with CDC recommendations, patrons are asked to wear a nose and mouth covering mask and practice social distancing when participating in Library To-Go curbside or window service.
Library operation hours at each location will be reduced, but will still meet patron’s needs and will include hours for high risk patrons. Patrons should check their library’s website and Facebook pages for confirmation of new operating hours, library request procedures, and library service announcements. Online programming, including Summer Learning programs, is still active and expanding! Patrons of all ages can access options to keep reading, learning, and socializing through the library. Take home materials and information will be available to patrons outside the libraries.
The library buildings will remain closed and will not be accessible to the public or library patrons. This includes lobbies, restrooms, reading/study nooks, meeting rooms, and public computers areas. Some regular library services are also temporarily suspended. The libraries will slowly return to these services when appropriate:
business services: printing, copying, faxing, scanning
public computer use
state and county-wide Inter-Library Loan (ILL)
circulation of magazines and newspapers
meetings or group activities in the building or on the property.
Please remember that the Office of Commonwealth Libraries, PA Department of Education, and PA Department of Health have determined that these procedures are the best options for what public libraries are currently able to offer in terms of community health and safety. The McKean County Libraries will be following all federal and state health guidelines including the PA Department of Health COVID-19 Safety Procedures for Business to ensure the safety of our library staff and patrons. For questions or assistance, patrons are welcome to contact their library:
