Update 5/22/2020: Libraries will reopen buildings to the public and expand curbside service to regular business hours starting Tuesday, May 26. Please read the following details carefully.
To re-open and stay open, we need to follow these guidelines together.
Note that the way you interact with our buildings and staff will look and feel quite different in some important ways;
these changes will be in place to meet state and local reopening requirements–
and most importantly, to keep our staff and patrons as safe as possible.
Thank you for doing everything you can to ensure your own safety and the safety of our staff.
What to Expect at Your Library Starting Tuesday, May 26th:
- Buildings open to the public; public asked to observe at least 6 feet in distance between staff and other library visitors, and not to enter a library if they are not feeling well.
- Curbside Service is available during normal business hours. How it works:
1) Call any library location to request materials currently at that location.
2) When you arrive at the library, call the library again.
3) A staff member will bring the materials outside and leave them in a
designated location, or place them in your vehicle.
4) Materials not picked up by the end of the business day will be re-shelved.
- ACPL staff members are required to wear a mask in accordance with the State Health Department order. We hope you will, too.
- Designated hours begin for our at-risk community members. Thank you for helping us make this possible!Athens: Mondays and Wednesdays from 9-10am
Chauncey: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10-11am
Coolville: Mondays from 9-10am
Glouster: Mondays and Wednesdays from 9-10am
Nelsonville: Mondays and Wednesdays from 9-10am
The Plains: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9-10am
Wells (Albany): Mondays from 9-10am - Holds start to become available–expect delays in this service during the coming weeks, as cargo between libraries in our system and in the state is not yet up and running.
- Bikes available for checkout, and will be sanitized in-between uses.
- Public computer spaces open, though they may look different and have time limitations to follow safe physical distancing requirements.
- Remote Technology Help appointments are available with Sarie by calling your local library. Share your preference for using Google Meet, Zoom, or phone, and Sarie will contact you to set up an appointment.
- At-Home Library Service continues with safety precautions.
- Talking Books Service resumes through the Ohio Library for the Blind & Physically Disabled. This free service to patrons who are legally blind, have trouble reading large print, or have a physical condition that prevents them from reading a print book includes a free, mailed digital player and a bimonthly catalog of available titles. Digital audiobooks can then be ordered online or over the phone.
Some of the other precautions & safety requirements we’ll be following:
- More stringent cleaning/disinfecting procedures at check-out and for all returned items.
- Limited number of people in buildings at one time.
- Plexiglass partitions at some libraries, and furniture moved or removed to follow safely requirements.
- Meeting rooms will not be available for patron use; many will be used for staff purposes during this time.
- No children’s toys or children’s activities at all locations.
- Volunteer activity suspended.
- Notary service suspended.
- Book donations and sales suspended.
- Our HVAC contractor has made sure our settings are in line with industry standards for preventing the spread of the virus indoors, and we’ve installed high-grade filters at all of our buildings.
- Sadly, no in-person programs for the foreseeable future. *More info on upcoming virtual programs can be found on our events calendar and social media.
Thank you for your extra patience as we continue to serve Athens County
while practicing these requirements and precautions together!
