The Bradford Area Public Library will enter its first reopening phase on Tuesday.
The library is committed to providing patrons expanded, safe access to the full library collection and public computers through an appointment-only service. Patrons will now be able to enter the library building by scheduling an appointment during designated times and days.
COVID-19 preventative measures such as hand sanitizing stations, social distancing, universal masking, quarantining of materials, and frequent cleaning continue to be implemented. Some services remain suspended and some areas of the library will remain inaccessible. Curbside pickup service will still be available Monday through Saturday.
The library continues to take guidance from CDC and Office of Commonwealth Libraries to provide staff and patrons with responsible services and a healthy environment. Steps have been implemented which aim to reduce the frequency of contact with surfaces and the amount of time that patrons remain within the library. Universal masking and social distancing will be enforced. Patrons who cannot or will not wear a mask will be asked to wait outside and use curbside service. Patrons are encouraged to return all items to the contactless outdoor book drop, open 24/7.
In consideration of the building capacity and number of employees on duty, only eight patrons will be allowed into the library at any given time. Appointments will be scheduled every 30 minutes, for a 20-minute time slot. For example, a patron can schedule a 10 a.m. appointment and must leave the library by 10:20. Library staff will use the 10 minutes before the 10:30 appointment slot to clean and sanitize all high-touch surfaces.
Several library services will remain unavailable, including lounge and study furniture, toys and puzzles in the Early Literacy Center, magazines and newspapers, access to meeting rooms, and in-person programs and meetings.
Executive Director Lacey Love stated, “We are so excited to see our patrons again! Although we have provided a multitude of virtual programs and resources while the library building was closed, we are looking forward to having patrons back in the library to browse the collection and use the public computers. Our top priority is keeping staff and patrons safe and healthy, so please follow all rules when stopping by for your appointment.”
Watch the library website at www.bradfordlibrary.org for updates as to when book donations will be accepted, as well as upcoming news and announcements.
Hours for appointments are Tuesday and Thursday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Hours for curbside pickup are as follows: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Wednesday: 1 to 7 p.m.; and Saturday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
