Libraries return to in-person

Lonesome Pine Regional Library branches are back open, but with a few remaining COVID-19 precautionary measures.

Each library is open for walk-through visitors, while certain areas such as meeting rooms, computer stations, children’s rooms and reading tables “have limited capacities,” according to a March 17 press release.

Available services include:

• Browsing for books, movies, audiobooks/playaways, CDs, magazines and more.

• Reference and reader’s advisory services.

• Library card registration.

• Computer use.

• Copiers and scanners.

• Wireless printing.

• Children’s and adult programs, along with virtual and grab-and-go options.

• Hold pickup.

• Porch/curbside pickup.

Additional services will be added as libraries are able.

Reopening “has been carefully planned using health and science-based research to help guide all decisions,” according to the library system. “ln addition to proper PPE and social distancing, staff members only report to work if they (and their households) are healthy and show no symptoms. The library staff thoroughly cleans all high-touch surfaces every two hours during open hours and computer stations before and after each use. ltems returned to the library are quarantined according to VDH guidelines.”

To visit, patrons are required to:

• Wear a face mask/covering at all times.

• Maintain at least six feet of physical distancing.

• Wash/sanitize hands often.

Patrons who are unable to wear a mask and require an Americans with Disabilities Act accommodation are encouraged to use the porch/curbside pickup or locker service for materials pickup. lf the service needed is unavailable through these options, accommodations can be requested by calling your local branch.

For those who are not quite ready to visit in person, the library system provides books-by-mail and virtual services, such as wifi, Chromebooks, hotspots, ebooks and emagazines, streaming services, eReference, TumbleBooks, virtual programming and more at www.lprlibrary.org.