The Butler Area Public Library will be re-opening beginning next week.
This upcoming Monday, March 1st, the library will reopen their doors, although hours will be limited 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.
Library administrator Peter Bess explains why this decision was made now.
“The decision was made as we continue to watch the number of COVID cases go down. We have just seen that steady decline of cases and deaths of COVID and we felt like this would be a good, safe time to do a limited reopening of the library again,” Bess said.
Library administrators are requiring face coverings and asking people to maintain social distancing. They are also offering Grab and Go pickups and are asking visits be kept to 15-20 minutes.
The library is also using new tools to help keep patrons safe.
“One of the brand new things that we have is the Butler Library app. Once you download the app, you can connect your library account to the app, and one of the features in there is you can use the camera on your phone to scan the barcode on the book,” Bess said. “And it will check out the item to your library account.”
Four public computers will be available for one hour appointments and the equipment will be disinfected between uses. The book drop is open 24/7 and returns are quarantined three days before getting checked-in.