Library News Update 11/5/20

11/5/20

With consultation with Fayette County Public Health, the Carnegie Public Library will reopen for curbside service and virtual programming on Monday, November 9th, at 10:00 a.m. The building remains closed to the public while Fayette County is designated a Public Health Risk Level 3 (red) by the Ohio Department of Health.

For the safety of library staff and patrons, and out of an abundance of caution, the library building will be thoroughly and professionally disinfected prior to Monday morning. Library staff will continue to mask, complete hourly disinfecting routines throughout the day, maintain social distance, and quarantine library materials.

Patrons may request items online through the library’s website (www.cplwcho.org), via the SEO Libraries App, or by calling 740-335-2540. Library staff will deliver items to you outside the building, using appropriate health and safety protocol. Curbside Service will run 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday, during this period. Library book drops will remain open at both locations, and the library’s free Wi-Fi will remain available during daytime hours.

Your friends at Carnegie Public Library 

 

11/3/20

Today we learned that a Carnegie Public Library staff member tested positive for COVID-19.  In response, for the safety of both the staff and public, the library will close immediately,  and remain closed through at least Friday, November 6th. 

Please follow the library’s social media outlets for most up to date reopening information. 

All book drops will remain open, all books will continue to be held until the library reopens. 

Stay safe!

Your friends at Carnegie Public Library 

 

Press release 10/08/20

Today, Fayette County was designated a Public Health Risk Level 3 (red) by the Ohio Department of Health. Effective 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, October, 8th, the library will close to the public and conduct Curbside Service and virtual programs only. Patrons may request items online through the library’s website (www.cplwcho.org), via the SEO Libraries App, or by calling 740-335-2540. Library staff will deliver items to you outside the building, using appropriate health and safety protocol. Curbside Service will run 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday, during this period. Library book drops will remain open at both locations, and the library’s free Wi-Fi will remain available during daytime hours.

During this period of time, the library will continue to use the greatest amount of recommended precaution by requiring library staff members to wear masks, quarantining materials for at least 72 hours before returning them to circulation, and disinfecting high touch surfaces hourly.

At this time, the library in Washington Court House plans to reopen to the public when Fayette County is returned to a Public Health Risk Level 2 or 1. We will continue to adapt our plans as needed, out of concern for our patrons, our staff, their families, and the Fayette County Community in general. We appreciate your patience and support: Stay safe, Fayette County!

 

Press release 07/31/20

On Thursday, July 30th, Fayette County was designated as a Public Health Risk Level 2 (orange) by the Ohio Department of Health. Our library reopened to the public in June, with guidance from Fayette County Public Health and Ohio Library Council. With this same guidance, at this time, Carnegie Public Library will remain open at reduced hours, and will continue to offer curbside service and online programming. As we have throughout the pandemic, we will continue to adapt and communicate our plans as needed.  

The library will also continue using the greatest amount of recommended precaution by requiring library staff members to wear masks, quarantining materials for at least 72 hours before returning them to circulation, disinfecting high touch surfaces hourly, and maintaining a limited building capacity. We also ask that patrons observe social distancing, and that children under 13 years of age are accompanied by a parent or guardian during this time. Also, the library encourages patrons to wear masks as a courtesy to others, and in compliance with Governor’s DeWine’s request. Library hours are as follows: Monday through Thursday, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., and Friday, 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. The library has designated Wednesday hours for at-risk and senior community members. Curbside service will continue, Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Again, we appreciate your patience and support!

Press release 05/26/20

On Monday, June 8th, at 10:00 a.m., Carnegie Public Library in Washington Court House will reopen to the public, with limited hours of service and access to the building. Library hours will be as follows: Monday 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., and Friday, 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. The library has designated Wednesday hours for at-risk and elderly community members. Curbside service will continue, Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., until the library returns to full hours.

As we enter Phase III of the library’s reopening plan, the Library Board of Trustees, and library staff and administration wish to extend sincere gratitude to our community for their patience and support throughout this period of closure. We want nothing more than to throw open the doors and return to serving our community in person. However, caution is warranted. Libraries are unique gathering places. Storytime and other programs, computer use, and book browsing are all activities that inspire a slower pace. In particular, pondering over pages and enjoying an activity with fellow parents and children are often shared experiences. And, unlike many businesses now open, the library is big on exchanges. Our physical collection moves from hand to hand and location to location. We are using the greatest amount of recommended precaution, quarantining materials for at least 72 hours before returning items to circulation, and are still awaiting research results tailored to library materials. We are soon ready to welcome you back, but with some limitations. We have reduced library hours temporarily, to more effectively and efficiently maintain a new sanitization and item quarantine routine, observe social distancing and limited building capacity, and restrict gatherings until we are ready to move to our next Phase. Statewide delivery of library resources will return soon too. There will be a great deal of catch-up as library staff unpack and process holds for patrons, some of them as far back as March.

Again, we appreciate your patience and support. We have delighted in providing items through Curbside service, and “seeing” patrons online at Storytime and other virtual programs. See you soon!

Press release 05/08/20

Carnegie Public Library is ready to safely serve you! Utilizing guidance from the Ohio Library Council and the Ohio Department of Health, library administration and staff have developed phased plans for reopening designed to keep library staff and patrons safe. Doing our part to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our community is important to us. The library’s plans include safe handling of library materials, isolating books before returning to circulation, social distancing in computer and seating areas, maintaining a reduced building capacity, using masks and face coverings, and increased sanitization procedures.

On Monday, May 18th, curbside service begins! How will curbside service work?

Curbside pick-up will take place Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., starting Monday, May 18th. Requests for library materials can be placed through our online catalog at www.cplwcho.org, through the SEO Libraries app, or by calling the library at 740-335-2540. Users requesting items online or through the app will need their library card number and PIN. Please contact the library if you require assistance.

The library plans to continue Curbside Service after June 2; however, pick-up days/times will be abbreviated after our building has reopened for public use.

The library plans to reopen to the public on Wednesday, June 3rd, with all item due dates extended to Saturday, June 6th, or beyond

Press release 05/02/20

The library will not reopen to the public on Monday, May 4th, as we previously anticipated. We are, however, working to establish guidelines for how and when we can reopen in accordance with state orders and the most up-to-date health and safety recommendations.

When we do reopen to the public, it may occur in phases. The first of these phases will include welcoming our staff safely back to our buildings. We will then examine our reopening to the public based on four conditions:

  • State and local orders and recommendations.
  • Library employees will be trained to provide service safely.
  • Required and needed sanitation supplies are sufficient to keep library materials and facilities properly disinfected.
  • Research from trusted organizations (Battelle) must confirm the adequate length of time to quarantine returned materials

Please continue to check the library’s website and social media accounts for updates.

In the meantime:

Ohio Department of Health Coronavirus website and dashboard: www.coronavirus.ohio.gov

Ohio Department of Health Hotline: 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634

Fayette County Health Department:

https://www.faycohd.org/

 

Press release 4/2/20

 

Carnegie Public Library continues to follow public health and safety guidelines issued by Governor DeWine and Dr. Amy Acton. Carnegie Public Library and Jeffersonville Library will remain closed, with tentative plans to reopen Monday, May 4th. All due dates have been extended to May 8th.

In the meantime:

 

Ohio Department of Health Coronavirus website and dashboard: www.coronavirus.ohio.gov

Ohio Department of Health Hotline: 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634

Fayette County Health Department:

https://www.faycohd.org/

 

 

Press release 3/16/20

In order to take all precautions, and out of concern for our patrons, our staff, their families, and the Fayette County Community in general, Carnegie Public Library and Jeffersonville Branch Library will be closed until at least April 6th, 2020.

 

We are following the example of many local and state organizations in attempting to limit the spread of COVID-19. During this time:

 

  • We encourage you to please keep all materials during this time of closure. As always, the library is fine free.
  • All Holds will be suspended until the library reopens.
  • All Due Dates and Hold Shelf Items will be extended until the library reopens. 
  • The Library’s wi-fi will remain free and accessible during regular business hours only, 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
  • All outreach, programs, engagements, and meeting room reservations have been cancelled until the library reopens.
  • All AARP Tax Aide appointments are cancelled, nationally, for the remainder of the tax season.
  • We invite you to explore everything we have to offer on our website. You can download eBooks and audiobooks on Overdrive, or use library databases using your library card number and PIN, usually the last four digits of your phone number.
  • Fayette County residents without current library cards may be able to obtain an E-Resource card for online resources (eBooks, digital audio and more) by calling or emailing the library, or submitting a form through the library’s website. More information forthcoming.

We thank you for your support in these efforts and apologize for any inconvenience they may cause. This decision was not made lightly and takes into consideration the health and safety of our staff and patrons, as well as the limitations of our library resources. We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 developments and follow all guidelines and precautions. For updates, follow us on social media (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) and check our website.

 

If you have questions, visit www.cplwcho.org or please call the library at 740-335-2540.

 

 

Press release 3/13/20

Carnegie Public Library and Jeffersonville Branch Library are closely monitoring information about the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The health and safety of our customers and staff is a top priority. Currently both locations are open and operating under normal schedules. However, in support of the efforts put forth by Governor DeWine and health care officials in our state and county, Carnegie Public Library and Jeffersonville Branch Library has cancelled all programs at both library locations scheduled through the month of March. This includes, but is not limited to: Voices from Our Community, Toddler Time, Books & Blocks, and AARP Tax Aide. At the present time, these programs and events will resume or be rescheduled beginning April 1st. 

 

Additionally, and in conjunction with our increased sanitation efforts:

 

  • The Library will begin enforcing time limits on unattended children, as well as children and minors not engaged in library or homework activities. 
  • The Library will limit computer use when necessary to impose social distancing measures. 
  • The Library will ask those patrons who pose a health or safety risk to leave.

 

We thank you for your support in these efforts and apologize for any inconvenience they may cause. This decision was not taken lightly and takes into consideration the health and safety of our staff and patrons, as well as the limitations of our library resources. 

 

Everyone has a role to play in reducing the spread of COVID-19 and staying healthy. Please stay home and do not visit the library if you are exhibiting signs of the flu or if you are not feeling well. We invite you to explore everything we have to offer on our website. You can download eBooks and audiobooks on Overdrive, or use library databases. If you have questions, visit www.cplwcho.org or please call the library at 740-335-2540