The Oil City, Franklin and Cooperstown public libraries are reopening for public access Monday, Feb. 15.
“Through examples of our annual appeal and the continued demand for and use of our services, that shows us how much our patrons and general public have stepped up for us,” said Dan Flaherty, executive director of the Oil Region Library Association (ORLA) that oversees the three libraries. “So we want to continue and do our best to step up for them.”
There will be changes, though, to ensure the safety of library staff and patrons, said Flaherty.
Despite the restrictions, the libraries continued its curbside pickup of library materials, virtual programs, take-and-make kits for children, remove print/fax/copy/scan services and 30-minute computer-use appointments during that interim.
All those programs will go on uninterrupted, said Flaherty.
Measures in place
The public access rules include:
— All visitors should maintain appropriate distance from others.
— All library visitors and staff members must wear facial masks inside the libraries.
— Library visits will be limited to 30 minutes. The time limits will allow staff members to perform enhanced cleaning measures.
— The libraries will not offer any in-person programs for the foreseeable future, said Flaherty. Instead, ORLA has shifted to provide virtual program options and take-and-make activities.
— The first and last hours of every day are reserved for high-risk patrons only. Individuals are advised to check with their local branch library for specific high-risk hours.
— Flaherty said that in addition to quarantining returned materials, staff members are continually cleaning high traffic areas and frequently used equipment at all ORLA locations.
Changes in library hours
New hours are:
Oil City – 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; closed weekends
Franklin – Noon to 5 p.m., Mondays; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays; noon to 5 p.m., Fridays; closed weekends
Pickup details listed
Patrons may continue to select library materials for curbside pickup.
Searching the libraries’ online catalog will provide information on what items are available, what library has them and whether they are currently available. Items can be placed on hold by calling the library.
Flaherty said staff at each library will help find items for individuals as well as reserve materials and assist in logging into a patron’s online account.
Printing, faxing, copying, and scanning services are also available curbside.
Printing requests may be e-mailed to print@oilregionlibraries.org or by calling the library.
The staff will confirm receipt of the materials and schedule a pickup time.
Faxing, copying and scanning services can be arranged by calling the library. A time will be scheduled and a staff member will meet the individual outside to provide assistance.
Questions may be directed to the Oil Region Library Association at info@oilregionlibraries.org.
