by Terry Rogers
For the first time since March, the Milford Public Library will open its doors for browsing on Monday, November 2 at 12 noon. Curbside pickup will continue for now, but people will once again be able to come into the library to search for books.
“We will open from 12 to 8 on Mondays and 12 to 6 on Fridays,” Kay Hudson, Librarian, said. “Curbside will continue on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Last week, we tried to cut back to just two days for curbside and we had 90 cars each day. We just could not keep up, so we thought we would leave it at three.”
In order to keep patrons safe, only four computers will be available and time to use them limited. Anyone who needs assistance with a job application or other computer-related use of the library can call and make an appointment. The Children’s Room will require families to make an appointment. Each appointment is for a half hour and only one family at a time will be permitted. The entire library is limited to just 20 people.
“We will have only one door open on Washington Street,” Hudson said. “Each person will be given a bracelet with the time they came into the library written on it in order to keep track of the half-hour limits. Masks are required and there is hand sanitizer available. There are no tables and just a few chairs so no one will be able to come in and just sit. The chairs are only for those who may have difficulty walking or standing for long periods.”
All books must be placed in drop boxes downstairs as people enter the library and cannot be carried upstairs. The library is still utilizing the sanitizing machine they received earlier in the year to be sure all books are cleaned properly.
“If you have something on hold, you can now come in to pick it up,” Hudson said. “You don’t have to wait for a curbside pickup day. We will not be taking temperatures although the staff here does take their temperatures each day.”
Because there is such a demand for curbside service right now, Hudson decided to keep that available but if there is a reduction in the number of people using the service now that the library is open, they will cut back on the days or hours.
To make appointments or to get questions answered, contact the Milford Library at 422-8996.
