DALLAS (1080 KRLD)- The Dallas Public Library reopened its 28 locations this week for the first time since March of 2020. Since closing, service has been limited to curbside pick-up at the Central Library and 27 branches.
At the Dallas Central Library, capacity will be limited to 155 people. Researchers can use the Dallas History and Archives, and the Genealogy collection by appointment. Creative Spaces is also available.
"We are inviting folks who need to do research on some of our upper floors, you can make an appointment and come, do research and stay with us for about four hours at a time," says Director of Libraries Jo Giudice.
At the 27 branches, capacity will be limited to 25 people at a time.
"We have taken away all the seating at the branches," Giudice says. "Not a lot of research is done there, and we are discouraging it at this time."
Giudice says the removal of furniture aims to encourage people to make their picks and check out instead of stopping to read. That, in turn, would let branches cycle more people through.
"It is going to be a balance for us," she says. "We do want people to come in and be able to browse, make their selections and not be rushed. We won't be rushing anyone."
Library employees are greeting people as they come in to keep count. Masks are required, and people are asked to use hand sanitizer when they come in.
"We will have greeters at the doors welcoming you back and just going over the rules," Giudice says. "We're going to ask you to use a little hand sanitizer on your way in so, effectively, you're coming in clean so when you touch multiple books, we don't have to go behind you and clean them."
Computers can be reserved and used for up to 90 minutes a day. Giudice says librarians are practicing social distancing, so if someone has a question, the librarian will not be able to walk up and help someone with what is on their screen.
"We're going to keep our distance, so we're not going to get that close to you," she says. "So some of that in-person help is going to be tailored back just a little bit."
WiFi hotspots are available to check out.
Self-checkout is encouraged. Reference service is limited to online responses and phone calls.
Library to Go curbside service, which started last June, remains available by appointment.
Public meeting rooms and study rooms are still closed at all locations. Games and interactive items have been removed, and programs and events this summer will all be virtual.
Details about precautions in place are available HERE.