You asked, we answered – the library will enter Phase 2 on Monday, June 1st. Here’s what that means for you:
- Library locations will open to the public from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. through 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 2 p.m. through 6 p.m. on Sunday
- Telephone assistance as usual at all 14 locations during these hours
- All patrons entering Library buildings must wear a face mask or other personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Because of the need to increase distance between workstations, a reduced number of Public PCs will be available on a “reservations” basis:
- Please call the Reference Desk at your desired location to make a reservation
- Reservations for slots during the first hour the Library is opened may be placed the day before
- Headphones will not be available; please bring your own
- Keyboard and mice will be cleaned after each use
- Public PCs will be available until 15 minutes before closing
- Printing, copying and faxing will be available
- Wi-Fi will be available inside and outside from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. at all 14 locations
- Seating will be limited; physical distance will be maintained between seating, tables, and computers
- Acrylic sneeze guards will be placed at service desks and visual reminders related to social distancing will be in use at each location
- Hand sanitizer should be available at each location
- PPE will be in use by staff at each location
- The Library collection will be considered “Closed Stacks” during this time period
- Patrons may call ahead to locate materials, or reserve items as usual.
- Patrons who come in person will request books directly from a staff member. The staff member will then search the shelves for desired books or AV materials and bring them directly to patrons to minimize contact
- Patrons will be able to check out their materials via Self Check Kiosks at all locations or receive assistance at Circulation Services
- Call Ahead/ Drive Through/ Pick Up Service will continue at all locations
- Library materials may be returned to any location; items that are trapped to fulfill Reservations will be quarantined for 72 hours before becoming available to the patron who is “on Hold”
- We encourage reserving the first hour of service for seniors and those with compromised immune systems; please consider arriving at or after 10 a.m. if you are not in that category
- Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult or care-taker
- We will monitor occupancy of the library and as necessary, limit the number of patrons who may be inside at any given time; occupancy limits will need to be strictly enforced
- We will not accept money other than through the usual online credit card service
You can find more information in the June copy of our monthly newsletter, The Source. Welcome back, Baton Rouge!