I know it is has become even harder to limit screen time for our kids, which is why it is more important than ever for them to have access to our large and beautiful collection of books in the Central Middle School Library!

As always, I will do my best to help every child find books they love and information they can trust in the safest and most efficient way possible. Every student will receive all of the necessary details and instruction related to this year's library procedures within the first couple weeks of school. I will also be available to meet with students remotely at that time.

I want to first share with you the safety measures we will have in place to ensure that the library's books are hygienic and accessible to all students.

• Books will be wiped with disinfectant between borrowers.
• Books will be isolated for a minimum of 5 days between borrowers. (Research shows that the virus is undetectable after 3 days(1), so we are almost doubling it as an extra precaution.)

• Students will primarily browse for books using the online catalog and books will be delivered to each ELA class. Arrangements for book pick up can be made for remote learners.
• Digital books are available to all students.

I am hoping that in the near future we can use the library as we have in the past but for right now, I appreciate your cooperation and patience as we start this new school year together!

Thank you,

Ms. Field

Teacher-Librarian

Central Middle School

(1)“Research Shows Virus Undetectable on Five Highly Circulated Library Materials After Three Days.” Institute of Museum and Library Services, 23 June 2020, www.imls.gov/news/research-shows-virus-undetectable-five-highly-circulated-library-materials-after-three-days.