Waco-McLennan County Library Opens June 15

Press release from the City of Waco:

WACO, TX (June 3, 2020) The Waco-McLennan County Library will open with limited hours, services, and social distancing measures in place. All four locations will be open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., beginning June 15. Visitors will be able to browse the shelves, check out material, and use the computers. Hours will be limited so curbside delivery can continue and to comply with the high standards established for quarantining returned material.

The Library encourages visitors to browse the shelves, select items for check out, and take them home to enjoy; a “Grab and Go” type of service. No public seating will be available and the children’s play areas, toys, and games will be unavailable. According to Library Director Essy Day, “We are taking this phased approach because the situation is fluid and plans need to be flexible so we can make changes as information becomes available.”

Computers will be spaced six feet apart to follow social distancing guidelines. Fewer computer will be available therefore, time is limited to one hour per person, per day, no extensions or exceptions will be allowed. Staff will clean the computers after each person.

Meeting, conference, and study rooms will be closed to public. All library programs and outside meetings have been cancelled. Day said, “We are trying to strike a balance between the free and open spaces we idealize, and the social distancing practices recommended.” Summer Reading Club began on June 1 with online registration and special virtual programs. Library materials should be returned to the outside book drop rather than inside the building. Request for library material may be delayed because returned material will be quarantined in accordance with the American Library Association’s guidelines. The Library is taking all reasonable measures; however, staff is unable to comprehensively sanitize every single item that is checked out, handled in our libraries, or returned. Visitors are encouraged to wear face coverings and practice social distancing.

For more information, visit the website at www.wacolibrary.org or follow the library on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

This press release was produced by the City of Waco. The views expressed here are the author's own.