I hope that you all enjoyed the holiday weekend - while safely distanced, of course! Although the state has announced that Phase 3 begins today, it will still be a few weeks before we are ready to have patrons enter the building. And when we do, there will be several changes in how we work. Below I would like to outline how staff are working each day and the new procedures that patrons will encounter when we do open. As always, please email me with any questions or concerns at karendemers@wilbrahamlibrary.org.
Karen Demers, Library Director
How can patrons request materials?
Patrons can place holds through the C/W MARS catalog (or app), call the library at 596-6141, or email reference@wilbrahamlibrary.org. We check the email at least twice a day - however, we receive multiple requests daily, so please allow our staff up to 24 hours to respond to your inquiries.
When can I schedule my curbside pickup?
Staff will call you when your items are available to schedule a time to pick up. We can usually accommodate appointments within 3 days. Our curbside appointments are spaced out every 15 minutes to prevent a backlog of cars traveling through the parking lot while people are returning items in our book and media drops. At some point during this phase C/W MARS will turn on your holds notifications via email or text. Please ignore those notifications and wait for our staff to call you.
What is the current staffing situation?
We are working with half the staff in the building at a time. We appreciate your patience as try to keep up with all the calls and special requests.
What will be different in the library when you open?
Appointments will be required for browsing and computer use. Patrons will have 45-minutes in the building.
Patrons will be required to wear masks.
Patrons will be given gloves if they are to touch magazines or newspapers.
Patrons may browse freely if wearing gloves - however, if a patron does not wish to use gloves, anything that patron touches will need to quarantined for 72 hours. We will have special carts for patrons to place items that they have touched, but are not checking out.
We have a new section for Self-Service Holds pick up.
Patrons are encouraged to use either the meeScan app or our two self-check stations to limit contact with staff.
We will have plexiglass barriers installed at the Service Desk.
Our restrooms will remain locked, with access granted by request and the patron provided with sanitizing supplies.
All upholstered chairs have been moved and are inaccessible. Furniture that can be wiped down easily will be available.
Puppets and toys have been removed from the Children's department.
The Keurig station will be unavailable during this phase.
How long with Phase 3 last?
We anticipate that this phase will last several months. We may be able to expand our hours during this phase depending on our staffing situation and patron demand. (If you have a preference for evening or Saturday hours, please send me an email at karendemers@wilbrahamlibrary.org)
Wilbraham Public Library
25 Crane Park Drive
Wilbraham, Massachusetts 01095
413.596.6141
http://www.wilbrahamlibrary.org