NEWTON FALLS PUBLIC LIBRARY RE-OPENING PLAN
The Newton Falls Public Library is excited to reopen to the public on Tuesday, September 22, 2020 for limited Grab & Go Services. The Library will also continue Curbside Delivery Services. We encourage patrons to limit their in-person visits to one hour or less.
Hours (Grab & Go and Curbside Delivery):
Monday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM is reserved for vulnerable populations
Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday & Sunday: CLOSED
Patio Hours (Weather Permitting):
Monday – Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday & Sunday: CLOSED
All staff have received training and the personal protective equipment necessary to keep themselves, other staff, and the public safe. All employees wear face coverings according to protocols established by the State of Ohio. Library patrons must also follow the statewide mask mandate. The library asks that library patrons observe social distancing. Children 10 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
FAQs:
Will the Library look different?
Yes, the Library will look very different than it did before COVID-19 partially due to the renovation and partially due to the social distancing guidelines we have put in place. The Library is adhering to all state protocols and distancing guidelines.
The Library has a limited capacity of 30 people in the building at any one time during our Grab & Go Service Hours. The patio is limited to 18 people. The second floor and elevator will be closed while we finish renovations.
Please follow the protocols put into place when visiting to help keep everyone safe.
During the pandemic, the following items will not be available:
- Magazines
- Newspapers
- Board books
- Chairs (have been reduced by 50%)
- Toys
- In-person programming through the end of the year
- Meeting Room
- Conference Rooms
What COVID-19 Protocols are in place?
- Our new occupancy limit is 30 for the first floor and 18 for the patio (weather permitting).
- Face coverings are required to be worn by both staff and patrons. If you are unable to wear a mask due to a medical reason, please contact us to make arrangements for curbside services.
- Social distancing is required - please keep six feet of distance between yourself and others.
- All high-touch surfaces will be cleaned at the top of the hour.
- Plexiglass has been installed at all public service desks.
- All returned items are quarantined for 3 days and then cleaned.
- Food and beverages are prohibited in-house and on the patio during the pandemic.
- Curbside Service will still be available throughout the pandemic.
- Hand sanitizer stations are available for public use.
Can I use the copier?
Yes. Staff will unable to provide direct assistance to patrons who are not wearing a mask.
Can I use a computer?
Yes, computers can be checked out at the Reference Desk for a one-hour session per person and only once per day. Only 4 computers in Adult Services and 2 computers in the Children's Room will be available due to social distancing requirements. Due to social distancing, staff are unable to provide direct assistance if the patron is not wearing a mask and all staff will observe social distance guidelines when assisting those with a mask. Computers and surrounding surfaces will be disinfected after each use. Computers will be issued on a first come, first serve basis and computers cannot be reserved at this time. Prints can be picked up at the Reference Desk and paid for at the Circulation Desk. Only one person will be allowed at a computer station due to social distancing guidelines.
Can I use a new independent study room?
Yes, the Library now has 3 independent study rooms available for personal use. The independent study rooms are limited to two-people and cannot be reserved for meeting purposes during the pandemic. Rooms can be checked out at the Reference Desk for a one-hour session per person and only once per day. The independent study room surfaces will be disinfected after each use. Study rooms will be issued on a first come, first serve basis and they cannot be reserved at this time. All meeting rooms and conference rooms will remain closed for the remainder of the year.
Can I return my items?
Yes, Book and AV return boxes were reopened on July 27, 2020. All returns must be returned in the boxes so that they can be properly handled. Returns are not accepted at Circulation Desk. All items returned are quarantined for three days and will not be discharged from your account until after quarantine.
Can I put things on hold?
You can place items on hold. Items may also be requested from other CLEVNET locations as the Statewide Library Delivery system has reopened.
Can I pay my fines?
Yes, the Library will only be accepting payment for fines and fees during Grab & Go hours. Payments will not be accepted at Curbside Delivery. Preferred payment method is online at the following address: https://search.clevnet.org/client/en_US/nwfl-main#. Select My Account to pay fines and fees.
CDC Guidelines for Visiting a Library
- Use curbside pickup or choose digital materials
- Use online reservation and advance-order checkout systems, if possible.
- Choose digital over print materials, if possible.
- Request a curbside pick-up if available and use cloth face coverings during pick-up exchanges.
- Clean hands when handling shared items or electronics.
- Wash your hands before and after exchanges.
- Clean and disinfect electronics (laptops) and library materials in plastic containers (CDs, audio books) during returns and/or exchanges.
- If allowed and available inside the library, use computer stations one person at a time. Ensure they are cleaned before use and use a disinfectant wipe on the mouse and keyboard.
Everyone has a role to play in reducing the spread of COVID-19 and staying healthy. Please stay home if you are exhibiting signs of the flu or if you are not feeling well.
To stay healthy, the CDC and other health agencies recommend:
- Washing your hands frequently. Wash your hands for 20 seconds or more with soapy water. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Stay home and away from others if you are sick.
- Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces frequently.
- Cover your mouth/nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
Trusted Information Sources
Sharing accurate information from trusted sources is critical to reduce misinformation. Find reliable and current information about the outbreak from local and national agencies below.
Ohio Department of Health
The Ohio Department of Health maintains a website with the up-to-date information on the outbreak, current risk to the public, and links to helpful resources.
ODH has also set up a call center to address questions regarding COVID-19. It is open seven days a week from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. and can be reached at 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634).
Centers for Disease Control
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website has a range of information about the current risk to the public, symptoms to watch for, prevention, testing, and advice for schools, communities and businesses.