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Public libraries plan for reopening

Local library officials are waiting for word from Gov. Mike DeWine on when to reopen the doors that have been shut since mid-March during the novel coronavirus outbreak.

Library officials are getting ready by remodeling their interiors and having curbside activities this month and in June.

Janet Loew, communications / public relations director for the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County, said the library is preparing to offer a curbside pickup service to get materials into the hands of patrons as part of a phased-in return of staff and services. The starting date will be announced once it is set.

“It will be a new environment for libraries when they begin reopening. The summer reading program will be digital and virtual. The library will continue to offer a full array of virtual services at LibraryVisit.org and on social media,” Loew said.

She said the library’s virtual services “have been going strong” since closing. “There has been a lot of participation with our online services,” Loew said.

Employees working inside library buildings are performing much-needed tasks like processing new books and materials, and performing maintenance inside and on the grounds. Other staff has been working from home.

“We want the community to know that we are planning and preparing for the future, but while we are eager to welcome the public back into our building, our first concern is for the safety of our patrons and our employees,” said Aimee Fifarek, library executive director.

“We will be slow, deliberate and careful … We are also working with library professionals in Ohio and across the country to establish ways to safely provide future in-building service,” Fifarek said.

She said an active schedule of virtual programming for entertainment and education is available for all ages and taking place daily on the library’s social media pages.

Loew said while the main library and all branches have been closed, remodeling work is being done at the Campbell Library.

GIRARD

RoseAnn Lubert, director of the Girard Free Library, said library officials are waiting to hear from DeWine and are expecting to receive word in early June.

She said remodeling work is being done, including putting up Plexiglas and partitions to protect staff and patrons when the doors reopen. Plans include enclosing the circulation area.

“We are hopeful to get back early this summer. I’d love to be able to have people return to the library, but our world has changed,” Lubert said, noting children wrote in chalk on the sidewalk they miss the library and want to come back.

She said while the summer children’s reading programs have been canceled, the online services are continuing.

Lubert said when the library opens, plans will be to have time limits on how long and how many people can be in the library.

“We will do whatever we have to protect our staff and those coming into the library,” Lubert said.

bcoupland@tribtoday.com

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