Reopening Plan

Washburn Public Library COVID – 19 Pandemic Reopening Plan

Revised and Approved 9-1-2020

This pandemic reopening plan has been developed to allow for the highest level of service possible while also ensuring the safety of library patrons and staff. The fluid nature of the COVID-19 pandemic dictates that adjustments to the plan may be necessary if conditions change or new information becomes available.

The plan envisions a series of increasing service levels as the library gradually moves towards full opening.  Each service level is tied to safety protocols that need to be in place before being implemented.  Decisions to move to higher levels of service, or to return to lower levels, will be based on the Wisconsin State Department of Health Metric System, specifically the COVID-19: Activity Level by Region and County.  https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/local.htm.  Moving between levels will be decided by the director and the Library Board will be immediately notified of the change.  

Level 0    Activity Level: High        Library is closed.

Staff working from home.

Level 1    Activity Level: High or Medium Library building is closed to public.

Services:

·         Curbside pickup is available Monday – Friday 8-4:30; Saturday 10-2.

·         Books and materials checkout.

·         Wi-fi access is available around outside of the library building.

·         Staff are answering reference questions and general inquiries by phone.

·         Interlibrary Loans and Intra-ILS when available.

·         Printing/copying/faxing/scanning services will be available.

Safety Protocol:

·         Staff must stay home if they exhibit symptoms of influenza or COVID-19.

·         Maintaining social distancing of 6’.

·         Staff are limiting their time in the building and are working from home.

·         All items are quarantined for at least 72 hours or amount of time recommended by the DPI.

·         All staff will wipe down any hard surfaces as needed.

·         Gloves and hand sanitizer are available for all employees.

Level 2     Activity Level: Medium or Low   Facility partially open Tuesday & Thursday 10-2.    Curbside pickup as under Level 1.

·         Books and materials checkout.

·         Interlibrary Loans and Intra-ILS when available.

·         Computer use by appointment/printing/copying/faxing/scanning available to public.

·         Wi-fi access is available around outside of the library building.

·         Staff are answering reference questions and general inquiries in person and by phone.

Open Spaces:

·         Offices for staff only.

·         Front desk with shields.

·         Stacks – limit of one-person per aisle at a time.

·         Children’s area open for browsing -all toys put away.

·         Computer area -limited to 4 computers.

·         Basement will be closed.

Safety Protocol:

·         Building occupancy will be limited to 5 people including staff.  Children under age 5 will not be allowed at this time.

·         If necessary, building passes will be used to control number of patrons in the building.

·         Entry and exit points will be limited. 3rd Street door will be used for entry and Washington Avenue door for exit unless handicap access is needed.

·         Staff must stay home if they exhibit symptoms of influenza or COVID-19.

·         Patrons will not be allowed entry if they exhibit symptoms of influenza or COVID-19.

·         Patrons and staff must maintain social distancing of 6’.

·         Masks will be required and made available for all staff.

·         Masks will be required for all patrons to enter the library.

·         Gloves and hand sanitizer will be available for all employees.

·         Library staff will clean their hands or use hand sanitizer between patron transactions if they have handled materials also handled by patrons.

·         Patrons must sanitize their hands before entering the stack areas.

·         Building will be disinfected on hard surfaces as needed.

·         Water fountain and public rest rooms will be closed. No public use of phone.

·         All library materials will be quarantined for at least 72 hours or amount of time recommended by the DPI.

  Level 3     Activity Level: Low          Facility limited opening M-F 10 – 3 with curbside pickup also as in Level 1.

Services:

·         Books and materials checkout.

·         Interlibrary Loans and Intra-ILS when available.

·         Computer use allowed/printing/copying/faxing/scanning available to public.

·         Computer assistance available.

·         Wi-fi access available around outside of the library building.

·         Staff will be answering reference questions and general inquiries by phone and in person.

·         Facility will be available for small groups of less than 10 people.

·         Newspapers and magazines will be available.

·         Book donations will be accepted.

Open Spaces:

·         Offices for staff only.

·         Front desk with shields.

·         Stacks – unlimited access to stacks.

·         Computer area -limited to 4 computers.

·         Children’s area -limited to 5 people including children.  Toys will still be removed.

·         Lower level meeting rooms – up to 10 people.

·         Food preparation room for meetings.

·         Inside and outside restrooms and water fountain.

·         Outside lawn and parking lot.

Safety Protocol:

·         Building occupancy will be limited to 22 people total, including staff plus up to 10 people in lower level meeting rooms. Children under 5 may enter library if accompanied by an adult.

·         If necessary, building passes will be used to control number of patrons in building.

·         Entry and exit points will be limited. 3rd Street door will be used for entry and Washington Avenue door for exit unless handicap access is needed.

·         Staff must stay home if they exhibit symptoms of influenza or COVID-19.

·         Patrons will not be allowed if they exhibit symptoms of influenza or COVID-19.

·         Patrons and staff must maintain social distancing of 6’.

·         Masks will be required and made available for all staff.

·         Masks will be required for all patrons to enter the library.

·         Gloves and hand sanitizer will be available for all employees.

·         Library staff will clean their hands or use hand sanitizer between patron transactions if they have handled materials also handled by patrons.

·         Building will be disinfected on hard surfaces as needed.

·         Patrons must sanitize their hands before entering the stack areas.

·         All items will be quarantined for at least 72 hours or amount of time recommended by the DPI.

Level 4    Library fully open.