Library News

W-TCPL Libraries to Reopen June 1, 2020, with Limited Hours

(05/28/20) – The Warren-Trumbull County Public Library system will reopen June 1 with limited in-person services and operating hours.

Jim Wilkins, W-TCPL Director, said the six libraries in the system will begin implementing a phased reopening plan based on guidelines from state and federal government and health officials.

“We are reopening with enhanced protocols in place to support the health and safety of our customers and staff,” Wilkins said. “We are looking forward to welcoming everyone back to the library in the safest manner we can.”

During the first phase, all libraries will operate on reduced hours, with the first hour of each day reserved exclusively for seniors and those who are especially vulnerable to the coronavirus.

The libraries in Brookfield, Cortland, Howland, Liberty, and Warren will be open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the Lordstown Library will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.

The hour from 11 a.m. to noon each day is reserved for library customers at higher risk for severe illness, including adults age 65+ and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions. Wilkins said that dedicating the first hour each day for more vulnerable customers will offer them an opportunity to visit the library in a less crowded environment.

Reducing the number of hours the libraries are open will allow the system to operate with fewer staff hours. The W-TCPL is currently recalling 32 of the 97 staff members who were furloughed at the beginning of May. Wilkins says the decision is part of an effort to cut operating costs in anticipation of a projected decrease in future state funding.

The adjusted hours will also give staff more time to safely shelve books and other materials and sanitize library materials and public areas. All books, DVDs, and other library materials that are borrowed and then returned will be quarantined for at least 72 hours and then cleaned and sanitized prior to being put back on library shelves.

Customers are asked to wear a face covering while inside the library. Children age 12 and younger must have an adult with them at all times.

Library staff will be required to wear face masks and participate in a daily health assessment.

Plexiglass protective barriers installed at the checkout desks and other social distancing measures are being put in place at each library.

“The well-being of our community continues to be our top priority,” Wilkins said. “We believe by putting these enhanced protocols in place, we can support the safety of staff and customers and the safe handling of library books, videos, and other materials customers borrow from the library.”

During the initial reopening phase, some library services that require close person-to-person interaction or present concerns about maintaining sanitized surfaces will not be offered. Customers will be able to visit the library to pick out books and other items but leisure reading or studying at the library will be discouraged during the first phase. Most tables and chairs are temporarily being removed from each library.

No computers will be available for public use at the Warren Library during the initial phase. A limited number of public computers will be available at other W-TCPL locations to begin the reopening phase.

The Local History & Genealogy Center in the Warren Library will remain closed.

The Bookmobile and other outreach services remain suspended at this time.

Homebound Library Service will transition from in-person visits by library staff to by-mail only delivery for current customers.

No library meeting rooms will be available for public use through the end of the year, and all in-library programming and events are canceled.

 

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For more information, contact: Cheryl Bush, Marketing & Public Relations Manager, at bushc@wtcpl.org.