Laurel, Randolph libraries to open in June
HARTINGTON — The Hartington Public Library re-opened its doors to the public Tuesday, and most other area libraries will soon follow suit.
The Hartington library had only been accessible for drive up book pickup, since the COVID-19 guidelines were first announced back in March.
“We welcome back all of our patrons and thank you for your support during this time,” said director Tami Anderson.“We ask that only one family member come at a time, in order to maintain the CDC 10-person rule. Returned material should continue to be placed in the outside book-drop (back entrance) before entering the library, and not returned to the circulation desk.”
In Randolph, the Lied Public Library will open with restrictions on June 1.
Only 10 people will be allowed in at one time and will have to maintain a six-foot distance between one another, according to Peggy Leiting, Randolph’s library director, who added they encourage no lingering in the library and if anyone feels more comfortable picking up books, they can set out books or deliver as needed.
The library will be open from 9-10 am. For more vulnerable and older patients.
“Our circulation numbers have remained relatively consistent,” Leiting said. “I don’t know if there was an up-tick, but I would imagine our online books went up.”
The Laurel Library Learning Center has been closed since the school system was shut down due to the pandemic.
The library is a joint partnership between the City of Laurel and LCC School District.
“The current plan is for the library to reopen on June 1 as health directive restrictions continue to be relaxed across our state,” Laurel school superintendent Jeremy Christensen said. “There will of course be local restrictions including the use of social distancing practices, increased levels of disinfection practices, etc.
“We do know that there was an increased level of interest in our library’s online and digital resources during the closure.”
The Lied Lincoln Township Library in Wausa is not in a hurry to reopen according to its library director Wendy Ketelsen.
“It was decided to wait and see how things looked in June at our next meeting before we make that call,” she said. “That being said we are offering curbside pickup Monday through Thursday 1-4 p.m. and delivery on Wednesday afternoons for those people who don’t want to leave their homes. We have a large tote on the east side of the library where I put bags with the patrons books in and they leave the books they are returning in the tote.
“We quarantine the returned books for three days before we re-shelve them. We have had many of our regular patrons take advantage of our E-books and our curbside pickup. We have also had our library Wi-Fi on 24/7 for patrons who need it. They can sit outside or in their vehicle and have access,” she said.