Reopening Policy

Stages of Reopening

Patrons may not enter the Library or may be required to leave if they are not in compliance with any safety protocols or requirements in the Policy, Reopening Plan, or any condition or modification established in writing by the Library Director pursuant to this Policy. Read the full policy here.

Requirements During All Stages

• Per the CDC guidelines, patrons with an infectious illness such as the flu must not enter the Library until at least twenty-four (24) hours after they are free of fever (100 degrees F or 37.8 degrees C) or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications.
• Patrons should not enter the Library with symptoms of an infections disease.
• The Library shall provide notice on the Library doors of the patron responsibility requirements currently in effect. The Library Director has authority to approve the requirements and notices.

1. Curbside Pick Up and Limited Patron Services

• Curbside delivery and pick up is permitted.
• Patrons are permitted to return Library materials
• Patrons and staff shall remain six (6) feet apart.
• Patrons shall be required to wear a mask when engaging in curbside pickup.
• The Library shall mark waiting areas for cars and other curbside pickup

Hours of Operation
The Library Board establishes the following as the hours for curbside pickup, but this may be modified by the Library Director:

• Main Branch: Monday-Friday 1pm-5pm, Saturday 10am-1pm
• Edwardsburg Branch: Monday-Friday 1pm-5pm, Saturday 10am-1 pm
• Mason Union Branch: Monday-Thursday 1pm-5pm
• Howard Branch: Monday-Friday 1pm-5pm

2. Limited Lobby or Atrium Space Open

In addition to continued curbside pick up hours,

• Patrons may enter the Library but will be limited to a specific area in the Library.
• Patrons may have in-person conversations with Library staff, provided that social distancing and Safety Protocols are followed.
• The Library will have access to computers for research or to look up and request library material.

Social Distancing and Safety Protocols
The protocols for the prior stages will remain in place.  In addition,

• Patrons are required to wear masks; the Library will provide masks if supplies are available.
• Patrons must stay six (6) feet away from all staff and other patrons. Social distancing rules apply.  The Library will provide a barrier for in-person discussions if a barrier can be obtained. 
• The Library will mark places where people are likely to gather in line to identify the proper social distancing. This includes “traffic.”
• Only the number of people (including employees) equal to 25% of the total occupancy limits established by the State/Local Fire Marshall will be permitted in the Library at a time, and all others must wait outside the Library. 
• Patrons will use their best efforts to come to the Library with the least number of people.
• Computer terminals will be located six (6) feet from any other computer or work station. The Library will use its best efforts to clean computer terminals and copy machines between uses. Sessions will be limited to 30 minutes.
• Food and beverage is not permitted unless necessary for medical reasons.

Hours of Operation
The Library Board establishes the following as the hours but this may be modified by the Library Director:

• Main Branch: Monday-Friday 9am-6pm, Saturday 9am-3pm.
• Edwardsburg Branch: Monday-Friday 9am-6pm, Saturday 9am-1pm.
• Mason Union Branch: Monday-Thursday 11am-5pm, Saturday 9am-1pm.
• Howard Branch: Monday-Friday 11am-5pm, Saturday 10am-2pm.
• Local History Branch: Closed through August 2020 for renovations, thereafter Monday-Thursday 9am-4pm, Saturday 10-2.

3. Library Open to Public With Conditions

Employees
All staff are permitted to return to work according to the schedule adopted by the Library Director.

Activities Permitted
In addition to previously authorized activities, the Library may open for additional activities: 

• Programming that is in-person.
• Meeting room use for Library only sponsored events.
• The computers will be open for public use. All computer terminals will be located six (6) feet apart.  The Library Director may suspend service on any computers that cannot be relocated to a safe distance. Session length may be limited.
• The Library Director may open up additional parts the library building for public use.

Social Distancing and Safety Protocols
The protocols for the prior stages will remain in place. 

Hours of Operation
The Library Board establishes the following as the hours but this may be modified by the Library Director:

• Normal hours resume at each location.

4. Library Open for Regular Business

At this stage, the Library can reopen with the same services as normal.  All Library service can resume without restrictions.