Stages 1-4 are only possible if the Library can obtain enough PPE. Items needed to remain open are:
- Disposable disinfecting wipes
- Disinfecting liquid
- Cloth rags
- Masks
- Disposable gloves
- Brown paper bags
What we think we know:
- The virus lives on surfaces for 3 days
- Masks are most helpful when both parties wear them
- Individuals need to stay 6 feet apart throughout all stages
- Time is the best disinfectant for library materials
- Handwashing and not touching your face is the best protection for individuals
This is a time for the Library to focus on needs and not wants. Patrons need:
- To stay at home, books could make this tolerable – Curbside
- Access to the Internet – WiFi and emergency computer lab
- Access to kids’ books to maintain schooling – Curbside
- A safe place (from home environments and from Mother Nature) – Chamber Room
- Access to facts – Reference services
- Interaction with others – Virtual programming and Reference services
- Escape from reality, books can do this – Curbside
Stage 0 – Stay at Home Order
- Library is closed
- All staff isolate at home
- Notifications turned off
- Book Drop is closed
- M&DS Librarian updates the website
- Pause newspaper subscriptions and cancel orders
- Expand WiFi
- Extended Due Dates
- Director checks mail, returns phone messages
- Public Services Manager makes online library cards
- Program staff market digital services
Stage 1 – No stay at home order, but continue safety measure. Restaurants remain curbside
- Virtual hours 12-6 Monday through Saturday (curbside/reference/computer lab)
- No main library access for patrons
- No restroom access for patrons
- Emergency computer lab (6 stations/reservation only)
- Curbside service with GCPL items only
- Limited staff in the building
- Staff trained on Proper Handling of Materials
- No ordering new items
- Bookmobile offerings are being explored, no public on the bus
- No volunteers in the building, to include Foundation & Friends
- Masks are required in the stacks and when 2+ people are in the same room throughout the 4 stages
- Open book drop
- Virtual Reference continues
- Programs are 100% virtual
- Due dates are extended (work with LYNX)
Stage 2 – Continue safety measures, restaurants can open if their plan is approved
- Virtual hours move to regular library hours
- No main library access for patrons
- No restroom access for patrons
- Maintain computer lab (6 stations/reservation only)
- Curbside / reference / computer lab available regular hours
- Friends & Foundation can have limited people in the building
- Start ordering best sellers
- Notifications start up again (work with LYNX)
- Due dates return to normal (work with LYNX)
- Bookmobile offerings are being explored, no public on the bus
- Programs remain 100% virtual
- Limited staff in the building
- Continue to encourage telework
- No volunteers in the building
- Materials processing returns to work
- Transits start up again (work with LYNX)
Stage 3 – gatherings of 10-50 are okay
- Open reading rooms in the Library
- Patrons not allowed in the stacks, roped off
- Only ## allowed in the library at one time
- Seats removed from reading areas to maintain 6ft
- Regular hours
- Reference staff moved off the main floor
- Startup newspaper subscriptions
- Signs for patrons to wash hands after newspapers
- Chamber room open limited hours
- Remove communal toys and virtual reality
- Research plexiglass for circulation desk
- Implement cleaning plan
- Limited staff in the building
- No volunteers
- Friends & Foundation can have limited people in the building
- Small and registration only programs may begin w/ 6ft social distancing. Kids do not social distance, so most programs will remain virtual
- Computer lab becomes accessible from inside the library but remains 6 stations/reservation only/6ft distancing
Stage 4 – gatherings of 50+ can occur with 6ft distancing
- Continue 6ft distancing
- Continue to quarantine returns/transits
- Continue hand washing, etc.
- Limited staff in the building
- Chamber room open limited hours
- Will use Stage 3 experience to determine if stacks remain closed or can be opened
- Computer lab remains accessible from inside the library but remains 6 stations/reservation only/6ft distancing
- Cannot fully open Library “back to normal” due to 6ft distancing requirement
- Start accepting donations again
- Continue to wear masks
- Programs can continue if 6ft distance can be maintained
- Telework is encouraged