PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Now that we are in the yellow phase of pandemic reopening in Pennsylvania, some favorite places are starting to operate once again. That includes public libraries.
Like the commonwealth, libraries have a 3-phase reopening plan. Phase one is underway, according to Regina Vesely, director of the Horsham Township Library in Montgomery County. Staff has just returned to her building and you can now take back books and tapes, but only to the return box.
The next phase includes contactless curbside pick up for items you have on hold. Then comes phase three, when you can finally go inside the building, but that will include changes.
"We are working on the plan, so that we can get all the equipment in," said Vesely. "It's also going to take a little bit of rework of our building itself. We need to close off certain areas, remove certain types of furniture and some of our computers, so that we can open safely while keeping people separated."
Other changes include marking specific doors for entrances and exits, allowing a limited number of people inside at one time and requiring masks. Vesely said extra staff will need to be brought on board to help enforce the new rules.
Hours will also be reduced, and staff will be increased. And returned books will be placed under a 48-hour quarantine.
