Library welcomes its patrons back

To the editor:

We have great news for you — the Jay County Public Library will be re-opened to the public today. It’s been a long time and we are excited to see you again!

Starting out we will have limited hours, open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each weekday. Hours will gradually expand over the next six weeks. We want to have a chance to see what things are like with the safety precautions that are now required before bringing our hours closer to what they were.

I want you to know that Jay County Health Department has been instrumental in guiding us through this public health crisis. Our re-opening was planned with the health department and we are doing all we can to make the library a safe place for all to enjoy. 

If you are hesitant about coming into the building, take the time you need to feel at ease before coming back. That’s what is important to us — that you’re safe and feel at ease when you are back in the library. Curbside delivery will still be available for those interested in that service.

In an effort to increase safety for our patrons and staff, things for the next six weeks will look a little different — our furniture will be temporarily unavailable, our front desk area will have three spaces where we would like all patron-staff interactions to take place, public computers will have a 45-minute time limit per day for each user and the fun stuff on the children’s side of the building will not be available.

We also strongly encourage all patrons to wash or sanitize their hands when entering the building and also expect patrons to observe physical distancing. We are allowing each individual to make their own decision on wearing a mask. There will also be regular sanitizing of high traffic touch points. And, if you are experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, please come back later when you are feeling better.

I would also like to mention that the library will continue to be fine-free during this time. We are also continuing to provide free faxing, printing and scanning services for the public.

Thank you to all for your patience with us during this time. I know many of you are eager to get back to your library and we are ready and looking forward to having you back.

Eric Hinderliter

Director

Jay County Public Library