Frank Carlson Library to reopen with some changes

The Frank Carlson Library will reopen its doors on Monday with some changes in place that are a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
All visitors to the library will be required to wear masks inside the building. Masks will be provided for those people who do not have one.
Library patrons who prefer not to wear a mask will be offered library service in a socially distanced way outside the building.
Contactless curbside service will continue by calling the library at 243-2250.
Library staff will make photocopies for patrons who are not able to enter the building.
Applications for new library cards can be processed either inside or outside of the building. Password free wifi is available.
Library visits, regardless of the purpose, will be limited to no more than 30 minutes.
Patrons can visit once each day and will be asked to sign in when entering the building.
“Not all services are going to be available, but patrons will be able to use many of the most popular ones,” library director Denise de Rochefort-Reynolds said. “Patrons will be able to browse the book shelves, check out DVDs, use the computers, make photocopies and read newspapers. Magazines will not be available to read or check out at present because slick magazine pages harbor COVID-19 virus longer than other kinds of paper.”
Those people using computers will be asked to use hand sanitizer or wipe down the workstations before using.
“This way, patrons can sanitize according to their own personal comfort level,” de Rochefort-Reynolds said.
Some changes that were previously implemented will still be in place.
Toys and board books have been removed from the children's area. Restrooms are closed to the public and water fountains are not operational.
All returned items must be placed in the outside book drops and will be quarantined for three to four days.
Because the Carlson Room is currently being used for storage and a quarantine area it is not open to the public.
Beginning Monday, there will be no restrictions on how many people are allowed in the building at one time, but group visits are discouraged.
Patrons are asked to practice social distancing.
Grant funding has allowed the library to purchase easy to clean plastic chairs, hand sanitizer and disposable masks for patron use.
“Our goal is to return to normal operations as safely as possible. We don't want to infect the public or the library staff,” de Rochefort-Reynolds said.
Three Kansas libraries have had to close completely in the last few weeks because staff members tested positive for COVID-19.
“I believe limited public library service is preferable to no service at all, and thank all of our patrons for helping us reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus,” de Rochefort-Reynolds said.
Library hours are 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday.