Dear Friends,
All of us at the library miss you and look forward to seeing you soon. While the library does not yet have a reopening date, staff have been hard at work planning for your safe return. You’ll be the first to know once we have a date!
Because the COVID-19 virus is still present in our community, the library is taking a cautious approach toward reopening which includes taking the time necessary to plan and get equipped with supplies and institute procedures needed to ensure the health and safety of everyone.
To help prepare businesses and other organizations for a successful reopening, the Talbot County Emergency Operations Center assembled guidance including developing a cleaning and sanitation plan; reorganizing work spaces to promote social distancing; purchasing face coverings, sanitizer, and cleaning supplies; and training staff on new operations and safety procedures. While the library began working several weeks ago on these preparations, there is still much to be done.
The library has adopted a reopening plan that makes safety a top priority while also offering much needed services. Our plan consists of four phases and is based on guidance from the Talbot County Health Department, the State of Maryland, and other best practices recommended by health and safety organizations. The
first phase
of our reopening plan
includes opening up our book drop for returns and bringing our staff back to prepare for reopening. In the
second phase
, we will launch our new books-to-go service so that patrons can once again order library materials for enjoyment. Future phases of our plan will include reopening the library for patrons to be able to browse our collection, use public computers, and get help from our reference and public service staff.
Updates on the progress of our reopening plan will be shared on the library's website, Facebook page and via media outlets. Please continue to take advantage of our many digital resources and virtual programs. We look forward to moving ahead with the first phases of our reopening plan in concert with the County’s plans to reopen public buildings. I want to share my deep appreciation for the work that library staff has done to support our virtual services and programs and to plan for reopening. Please stay safe, and we hope to be able to share an opening date with you soon.
Sincerely,
Dana Newman
Director
