Northland Public Library reopening with restrictions, virus safety protocols

Northland Public Library is reopening Aug. 17 — with restrictions and at a reduced capacity — after in-person visits have been prohibited for the past several months because of the coronavirus pandemic.

We’re elated to welcome back our patrons and the community to the library building,” said Amy Steele, the library’s executive director. “The building, services and procedures will be slightly different, but the spirit and thirst for literacy and knowledge remains.”

All visitors 3 and older will be required to wear a proper-­fitting face covering at all times while in the library building and remain 6 feet apart from staff and other patrons. Customers also are asked to self-diagnose and not visit the library if they recently experienced a fever, cough or shortness of breath.

A digital collection is available online for people who cannot visit the library.

Library staff will follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the state health department for cleaning and disinfecting the building. All returned materials are being quarantined for several days, and hand sanitizer dispensers have been placed throughout the building for use before and after handling materials.

To help prevent the spread of coronavirus, the library has removed or created distance between some chairs, computers and work stations. Plexiglass dividers have been installed at the reference and checkout desks.

Visits to the library are limited to two hours, and a one-hour limit has been placed on visits to the Children’s and Teen Services department to allow more people to obtain materials. The library has temporarily suspended loaning items from the interactive collection such as American Girl Dolls, Legos, science kits, instruments, book bag kits and toys.

Customers are being encouraged to use the self-checkout scanners and online resources as much as possible to reduce the time people spend in the building. Reference questions and other inquiries should be handled by telephone or email to reduce personal contact with staff.

Snacks and drinks may be consumed only in the outdoor picnic area.

The computer center can be used for a maximum of two hours a day and requires an appointment. Time must be booked at least 24 hours in advance by calling 412-366-8100, ext. 131.

“While the library building may have been closed, we’ve proven that Northland is much more than just a building,” Steele said.

In early June, the library began phasing in services such as a reserved pickups service and the drive-thru book drop. While the building was closed during June and July, staff answered 8,500 phone calls and provided online services to more than 4,000 patrons.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming patrons back to our building and at the same time continuing with virtual programming,” Steele said. “This is an opportunity to grow our connection to the communities we serve both in person and online.”

The library is at 300 Cumberland Road. Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays.