At this time, the library remains closed due to the coronavirus mitigation efforts, but we have good news: we are tentatively expecting to reopen for curbside service around the middle of the month. We are currently completing the safety plans and procedures we will need to have in place when we reopen, and staff will soon be preparing the buildings, dealing with the backlog of materials, and training.
We can share with you a rough outline of what reopening will look like. It will be similar to what you have already seen with some other businesses, that is, staged reopenings going from ‘curbside service only’ all the way to a ‘return to normal’ over a period of time, with new procedures in place to help protect everyone’s health and safety. As we finalize plans and get closer to full reopening, we will share more details on these stages with you. This plan of reopening stages is being followed by libraries across the state and country, with adjustments made as needed regionally and individually.
In the meantime, please know that you do not need to worry about any items you had on hold that had arrived and were waiting to be picked up at the library. They are still on the shelf for you, and will be the first things we check out once we are able to do so. You also do not need to worry about fines or overdues: we will be waiving fines for an extended period after we reopen to allow everything to get cleared up.
Our digital services of Overdrive, for e-books and e-audiobooks, and Hoopla, for those plus movies, music, and comics, are available 24/7 to residents of our district. We have increased the number of checkouts available daily on Hoopla to try to meet the increased demand. If you have any trouble with your account or accessing these services, please send us an email at info@ruthhughes.org and we will do our best to help.
Wishing you and your families well at this difficult time, and hoping to see you again soon.
—Tracy Aldrich, Ruth Hughes Memorial District Library Director
