We have been monitoring the situation with COVID-19 very closely. The Board of Trustees approved a Public Health Crisis Policy at their board meeting on Wednesday, March 11, 2020.
Our first concern is the safety of our patrons, volunteers, and library staff. We have between 300—400 people enter the library building each day, many more when school is not in session (spring break, for example). Many of our patrons are in the age group most affected by the virus.
The library has already implemented several steps recommended by health officials, including the Crawford County Health Department, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and the Center for Disease Control. These steps include additional cleaning and disinfecting procedures, implementing “social distancing” measures, and removing puzzles and games from the children’s department.
Our first concern is the safety of our patrons, volunteers, and library staff. We have between 300—400 people enter the library building each day, many more when school is not in session (spring break, for example). Many of our patrons are in the age group most affected by the virus.
The library has already implemented several steps recommended by health officials, including the Crawford County Health Department, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and the Center for Disease Control. These steps include additional cleaning and disinfecting procedures, implementing “social distancing” measures, and removing puzzles and games from the children’s department.
Out of an abundance of caution, the Pittsburg Public Library is canceling ALL programs and events, including meeting room reservations, effective March 14 through March 31. We will reassess our April programs at the end of this month.
We are not yet at the point of closing the library, but this is a fluid situation and events may change rapidly. These are not decisions we make lightly. We greatly value our library patrons and the services we provide to this community. However, at some point, shutting down the library and preventing the spread of infection may be the best way to serve our community.
Please continue to enjoy our digital resources from home. We have a variety of options including eBooks, digital magazines, audio books, music, movies, and comics available 24/7 on the library’s website. This might be a great time to try these free services from the library.
We will continue to communicate with you as this crisis evolves. Please stay tuned for updates on our Facebook page and the library website: pplonline.org.
No comments:
Post a Comment