What is a lazy summer day without a good book? Luckily local libraries are accessible again, but on a limited basis.
On June 15, both the Curwensville Public Library and the Joseph & Elizabeth Shaw Public Library in Clearfield opened after weeks of only offering “curbside” distributions of books and other library materials.
Their hours are limited to allow time for the staff to clean/sanitize their buildings and they have a few new rules due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Book returns are only being accepted through the book drop due to the materials needing to be quarantined for three days before being put back in circulation.
Anyone entering the library must wear a mask and should keep with social distancing guidelines.
If you pick up a book to look at it, you need to place it in a special bin to be sanitized before it can be placed back on the shelf. Computer use is limited to 30 minutes.
People are excited to have this and some of the other services back including access to a copier and printer, said Clearfield County Library Director Kayla Clark, who is in charge of both the Curwensville Public Library and the Mobile Service Unit.
If you are hesitant to enter the libraries, curbside pick-up is still available.
She admitted she was a bit nervous about re-opening due to the problems nearby South Side Subs suffered when it started requiring customers to wear a mask. But they have not had a problem with that, so far.
“It is going better than expected,” said Kayla.
The people are adapting, and because some of the older patrons are still using the curb-side service, the library is considering keeping this as a regular service.
This thought is echoed by Mobile Services Outreach Coordinator, Rachel Bailey, who has been delivering requested titles to the various MSU stops.
“This (pandemic) has forced us to remain relevant and look for ways to service our patrons,” Rachel said.
One Coalport woman has been requesting books from specific authors.
“She gives me a list of authors and I bring her a bag of books,” Rachel said.
Patrons can also request a specific genre and Rachel will select a few titles for them.
The MSU has been limited to one-hour stops but is extending hours starting this week so she hopes to see more people.
The restrictions on the MSU will be similar when Rachel sets up shop in the various areas of the county.
If someone picks up a book to look at it, they have to put it in a special place to be sanitized later.
Both Rachel and Kayla commented that one good thing about the COVID-19 pandemic is that it has led people to the library’s Web site where they are taking advantage of the online resources.
New patrons have been signing up for library cards online and receiving a number that allows them to browse the online catalog. They can also request books from other libraries to be picked up at the library or at one of the mobile stops.
In addition, e-books and audio books are available to borrow through the Libby app.
The popularity of books seems to have grown during this crisis when people can be stuck at home and lonely.
“You never know what people are going through and sometimes a book is a good friend,” Rachel noted.
Here are the specifics for a few of the local libraries.
Curwensville Public Library
You can request books by calling 814-236-0355 or on its Web site, clearfieldcountylibrary.org, for curbside pickup or to be delivered through one of the MSU stops, which are listed on their Web site.
The current hours are Monday and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 6: p.m.; Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Youth Services Coordinator Peggy Barrett is still conducting a summer reading program and has been posting videos on “Mystery Mondays” as well as other programs. See the Facebook page for more information on this.
Joseph & Elizabeth Shaw Public Library in Clearfield
The library is open Monday and Wednesday from10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
To reserve a book for curb-side pick-up, you can request a title on the Web site, shawlibrary.org, or by calling 814-765-3271.
Virtual programs include a photo scavenger hunt and summer reading programs.
The library is also providing free Wifi access in its parking lot.
Osceola Mills Community Library
This library opened May 11 with its regular hours. To enter, you must wear a mask and comply with social distancing. No more than four people will be allowed in the building at a time.
It has a large group of free books it’s trying to give away and is selling chances on several items to raise money for its operating costs.