​Shaker Library Plans a Phased Reopening of Services

Shaker Library plans to reopen its buildings in phases, beginning with opening Book Drops at both libraries Monday, May 18. The drive-up Book Drop at Bertram Woods and the colorfully wrapped Book Drop at Main will be open 24/7 to accept your returns. The walk-up Book Drop on the Main Library sidewalk will remain closed. All returned material will be quarantined for 72 hours before staff processes and redistributes them to the public.

Curbside pick-up will begin Monday, June 1. Hours for curbside service will be from 11 am to 7 pm Monday through Thursday and from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm Friday and Saturday. Sundays the library will be closed for deep cleaning. This gradual restoration of services will follow the Governor’s Responsible Restart Ohio Guidelines and comply with public health recommendations to keep staff and customers safe.

“Our goal is to offer contactless curbside service June 1,” says Director Amy Switzer. “While we are eager to get back into the library and to re-connect with our community, we will reintroduce services in carefully planned phases with a research-informed approach, putting the health, safety, and well-being of our community and our library staff first.”

“Are we able to do this safely?” is the question steering all our decisions and actions. We have purchased essential cleaning supplies and appropriate non-medical personal protective equipment (PPE)—gloves, hand sanitizer, masks/facial coverings, hand soap, and cleaning wipes.

Library buildings will remain closed to the public but will re-open in May to staff, divided into alternating groups to work in rotating shifts. Workspaces will be reconfigured to ensure a six-feet seating distance and face masks will be required. Desks, workstations, and high-contact surfaces will be disinfected regularly, and the library will close on Sundays for deep cleaning.

When the threat of local infections diminishes and restrictions are lifted, more library services and public space use can be reintroduced. Decisions about when that will occur will be made following orders and recommendations from Ohio Public Health authorities and the State of Ohio.

Renovation of the Main Library Continues
The renovation of the Main Library will continue throughout the phased library re-opening process. A successful 2018 levy funded the project and these funds can only be used for the renovation. Contracts have been signed and work will begin in stages (also following the State of Ohio guidelines) so the library can remain open to the public. During the first phase of the renovation, the lower level and meeting rooms will be unavailable to the public, and staff work areas will be reconfigured. All public areas will be reconfigured consistent with state-mandated guidelines for social distancing.

Until the Library reopens, please take advantage of our many online programs; follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube where virtual programs keep you connected to your library. Look for our online children’s and teens’ summer reading program, Shaker Builds Readers, in June. And remember, library staff is available via email (librarian@shakerlibrary.org) or by phone (216-991-2030) to answer your reference questions.