Reopening Plan for the Schoharie Free Library Association
Last Updated: May 14, 2021
Based on:
-
- MVLS Reopening Outline of 5/7/20,
- Schoharie Library Reopening plan dated 10/14/20,
- Governor Cuomo’s May 3, 2021 Press Release (https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-governor-murphy-and-governor-lamont-announce-significant-easing-covid-19),
- NYS Reopening Reference Guide (https://forward.ny.gov/reopening-reference-guide)
If patrons are vaccinated for COVID-19, wearing a mask to enter the Library is now OPTIONAL. If patrons are NOT vaccinated for COVID-19, patrons should continue to wear a mask when entering the library (as per NYS Regulations and CDC Guidelines). The Library does not furnish masks.
Library items may now be returned inside the library and will no longer be quarantined before being reshelved.
The library will continue to provide access to hand sanitizer and encourage hand washing.
Restrooms are reopened to the public, both in response to the CDC’s statements regarding surface contact and to accommodate handwashing.
The library will no longer offer curbside pick-up as it has been open to visitors since August 24, 2020.
“Outdoor Social Gathering Limit Increases to 500 on May 10 in New York; Indoor Social Gathering Limit Increases to 250 on May 19 in New York.” (https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-governor-murphy-and-governor-lamont-announce-significant-easing-covid-19)
Beginning May 19, indoor capacity “will only be limited by the space available for patrons or parties of patrons to maintain the required social distance of six feet.” https://forward.ny.gov/reopening-reference-guide (For the first floor of the library, this is approximately 50 people.)
The front door will re-open, decreasing the likelihood that patrons will be forced to encounter each other in spaces allowing less than six feet of proximity.
Signage will be posted at the entry points reminding people of the masking and social distancing policies and requesting that they not enter if they are experience COVID symptoms or have been exposed to someone who is COVID positive.
“Asymptomatic travelers entering New York from another country, U.S. state, or territory are no longer required to test or quarantine as of April 10, 2021.” (https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-travel-advisory)
Patrons will be given the opportunity to sign a “voluntary log,” in the form of individual index cards, reflecting their Library visit. Patrons will be advised that by leaving their name and contact information, date and time of their library visit, they are consenting to this information being given to appropriate contact tracers or health department officials in the event that a Library employee, patron or other person who is known to have been at the Library tests positive for COVID 19. Such patron information will not be kept for more than one month.
Computer use –patron computers will be made available and repositioned to ensure six feet of social distance between users.
Patrons will not be allowed to use of printer and the copier; the Library Director or Clerk will assist patrons needing copies, scanning, or printing.
The Library will continue to offer touchless payment options.
Acrylic breath guards will remain in place at the Circulation Desk and the large public use computer tables until masks are no longer required or in response to updated guidance from state or federal health officials.
Hand sanitizer will remain available for everyone’s use and will continue to be strategically placed around the building, inside both doors and at each computer station.
Library Programs will continue to be offered remotely. We will be beginning to schedule indoor programs over the next few months – due to the size of our building, mask requirements may be event specific – please refer to event announcements and signage. Similarly, outdoor programs may be scheduled on the porch or grounds provided attendance remains below current Schoharie DOH guidelines. Guidelines will be event specific.
Approved by Schoharie Free Library Board of Trustees, June 9, 2021
