City library re-opens, safety protocols assured

THE BAGUIO City Library is ready to unlock its doors under present quarantine state.

“We are ready!” declared City Librarian Mercedes Bernardo as she anticipates the unlocking of the threestorey Baguio Library anytime during the current quarantine measure.

This after the city transitioned from enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) to general community quarantine (GCQ).

Bernardo assured the public facility is secure, even as the world searches for a vaccine to neutralize the Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19).

She said, library hands have been appraised of health protocols by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases and are all eager to comply.

Benrnardo declared the library already has a strategy for limiting the number of its clients at any given time to facilitate physical distancing.

“Notices on wearing of masks and use of hand sanitizers, are likewise being readied too. We have regular sanitation schedule in place,” the city librarian added.

The library is located at Burnham Park just across the children’s playground.

“The library was ordered closed to the public when Baguio was placed under ECQ sometime in May,” Bernardo recalled.

Museums and libraries were categorized by the IATF as non-essential.

Assistant City Librarian Easter Wahayna-Pablo disclosed plans to establish online reference services.

The plan, she said, is geared towards reducing long-hours researchers spend in the facility.

Meantime, she said they are devising a system where researchers can coordinate with the library for assistance in looking for reference materials through text messaging, voice calls or email.

Online storytelling to children is likewise being planned as the library gears itself towards modernization of its services as it races to keep with changing times, she added.