Glocester Libraries e-Newsletter
Phase I Libraries' Plan
A Message To Our Patrons
To our beloved (and missed) library patrons:
The Glocester Libraries - the Harmony Library and the Glocester Manton Library - are working together on a plan to provide library services that have been suspended due to the current public health crisis.
Our plan is being developed within the Rhode Island Department of Health’s guidelines created specifically for libraries. There are some unique concerns for libraries because unlike retail stores and takeout restaurants, libraries circulate materials that need to be returned and may be handled by many individuals. Following CDC guidelines, we have developed a quarantine and cleaning procedure for all returned items.
When the libraries closed to the public, we were able to enhance our collection of online services to include remote access to Ancestery, online classes, magazines, and additional children’s books.
The Glocester Libraries - Phase I Reopening Plan
PHASE I: Begins May 18, 2020
At this time, the State has lifted the Stay-at-Home order. Gatherings are limited to five people; older adults (65+)/vulnerable persons are advised leave their homes for essential purpose only. Working from home is encouraged, but employees can return to on-site work in accordance with guidelines.
Glocester Libraries remain closed to the public but offer the following services:
· e-Books, Audiobooks, Movies, and Music via Hoopla and e-Zone
· Programs for adults and children via YouTube and virtual meeting applications
· Contactless/curbside pick up of preordered items
· Contactless/curbside pickup of children’s craft’s-to-go will continue.
· Contactless/curbside Copy and FAX services
· External Wi-Fi available; no computer access
· Virtual library cards are continued.
· The Miss Joan Tot Lot will remain closed at the Harmony Library.
Call the libraries, the Harmony Library (949-2850) and the Glocester Manton Library (568-6077) during curbside hours for service assistance.
HOURS
Staff will offer increased hours of curbside/contactless pickup of pre-ordered items. Each library will increase its hours to 36 hours per week. The Harmony Library will be open Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and the Glocester Manton Library will be open Monday through Wednesday and Friday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
STAFF/LIBRARY BEST PRACTICES
Masks, keyboard covers, hand sanitizer, soap and water, and separate work areas are provided for each staff member.
Staff will continue to follow social distancing rules, wear masks, and wash hands frequently. Phones will be assigned to each staff member for her work shift. The phone shall be cleaned and disinfected before the next shift. Each staff member will be assigned one keyboard cover for her use only and be responsible for cleaning it at shift’s end. At the end of every shift, desks, chairs, doorknobs, phones, security keypad, staplers, and other frequently touched items will be cleaned and disinfected.
Staff will be assigned to work in teams of two persons with the same staff member during Phase I. Staff will be asked to take her temperature before coming to work. If a staff member tests positive, that staff member and her work mate will follow the Rhode Island Department of Health’s guidelines for exposure to Covid19. Their work areas will be carefully cleaned.
RETURNED ITEMS PROTOCOL
Returned materials will be handled in the following manner: ILL delivery items will remain boxed for a quarantine period of three days before being wiped down and checked in. Items in the book returns will be boxed and set aside for three days of quarantine before being wiped down and checked in. These boxes will be dated and placed on the north side of the building.
During phase 1 we are waiving overdue fines on our materials. Both book drops are unlocked and we are accepting returns; however, book donations will not be accepted during this phase.
If you owe a fine on our materials, it is waived during Phase I; however, if you can pay your fine, you may pay it online at https://www.glocesterlibraries.org. We thank you for your support.
Curbside Pickup - Five Days a Week
During these times, both libraries will offer contactless/curbside Copy and FAX services at no cost. We will keep you updated about our expanding levels of service each phase of the way.
Online Youth Programs - Don't Miss Them!
Parents,
To register for any of the virtual programs being held on Zoom, please register on our website, glocesterlibraries.org, as you normally would. Be sure to give an email you frequently use, as a link to the Zoom meeting will be sent to that address sometime before the program. You will receive a link and password that will allow you to join the Zoom meeting when it is scheduled. As with our regular library programs, try to arrive right as the program begins, so as not to miss anything! I look forward to virtually programming with you!
Treasure Island Escape Room
Monday, May 18, 4 p.m.
Age Level: Fellow Escape Artists, ages 8 and up
Join Miss Kat on a virtual escape from Treasure Island! Avoid dangerous obstacles, solve riddles, and see if you can find the treasure! This will be done in a Zoom meeting created by Miss Kat, where children can put their heads together to find the gold!
Thursday Lunch with the Librarian (Weekly Program)
Thursday, May 21 and May 28, noon
Age Level: Preschool aged children
Join us for our weekly Thursday Lunch with the Librarian! During this informal meeting, children can talk to Miss Kat, show her what they've been up to, play games, and read some stories! These meetings are made purely for fun and to give children a sense of structure and normalcy during these times.
Wednesday Lunch with the Librarian (Weekly Program)
Wednesday, May 27, noon
Age Level: Preschool aged children
Join us for our weekly Wednesday Lunch with the Librarian! During this informal meeting, children can talk with Miss Kat, show her what they've been up to, play games, and read some stories! These meetings are made purely for fun and to give children a sense of structure and normalcy during these times.
Glocester Libraries - the Harmony Library and the Glocester Manton Library
Email: glocesterlibraries@gmail.com
Website: glocesterlibraries.org
Location: Glocester, RI, USA
Phone: (401) 949-2850
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harmonylibrary.org/