COVID - 19 and Spooner Memorial Library
Message from our Director, Angie Bodzislaw: "As a librarian I need to re-frame my thoughts about how to best serve my patrons. Typically, that means staying open at all costs. But in this case, "how to best serve my patrons" means reducing opportunities for exposure and working alongside our health department and state to slow the spread of COVID-19, which will, in turn, ease the burden on our local hospitals and protect our vulnerable community members. Closing the library is not a decision I, nor my board, takes lightly; however, it is imperative that we do so. Though our doors will be closed, we do offer Minimal Contact Curbside Pickup four days a week. We have tentative plans to open the library to 5 patrons at a time in June. More details coming."
Update: On May 26, 2020 the Library Board of Trustees approved an eight stage plan to reopen the library. Starting on June 1, 2020 the dropbox will be open every day and starting June 5, Fridays will be a day where patrons can come into the library at scheduled times. As we move into each stage of reopening we will assess the current environment of our community to determine at what pace we should move forward. We continue to work closely with Public Health as well.
Update: On June 23, 2020 the Library Board of Trustees approved moving on to Stage 5 of opening and amended the policy of restricting children under 8 from using the library. Effective July 1st, patrons of all ages will be able to enter the library with restrictions - all must sanitize their hands, stay home if ill, and age 2+ must wear a mask (masks provided if needed). Toys will be put away time slots will be scheduled.
On July 28, 2020 the Library Board of Trustees approved remaining at Stage 5 of opening with a few changes. Effective August 10th the scheduled in person days will be at the beginning of the week (Monday-Wednesday, 8am-8pm) and curbside only days will be at the end of the week (Thursday, 8am-8pm; Friday, 8am-4pm; Saturday, 8am-Noon). Visits are shortened back up to 15 minutes as an added safety measure. Earlier morning and Saturday hours were added to better be accessible to patrons.
