Some libraries slowly reopen their doors
Pandemic limits still in place for many services
As various COVID-19 restrictions begin to loosen, public libraries are looking to open their doors again.
Throughout the pandemic, most public libraries have operated curbside pickup options that allow people to still check out books or magazines.
Now as the state looks to open things up a bit more, the libraries are finding ways to let people back inside.
The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh system is allowing people to go inside and use library services, such as computers, for up to an hour.
Patrons can also schedule one-onone appointments with a librarian for efforts that may take longer than an hour, like résumé reviews and mock interviews, said Suzanne Thinnes, the communications manager for the Carnegie libraries.
“We see a lot of people that are thankful they can come in and browse and have that interaction with our staff,” Ms. Thinnes said.
The Dormont Public Library has been using curbside pickup, but beginning April 6, the library on Tuesdays will have two limited-browsing appointment slots open, each 15 minutes long.
These appointments will allow people to use certain sections of the library, director Cindy D’Agostino said.
“Everything will get wiped down inbetween appointments,” she said.
The Dormont library also has extended its Wi-Fi into the parking lot, making it available to people whenever they need it.
“We’re just trying to provide whatever services we can,” Ms. D’Agostino said. “We miss our patrons. We’re hoping with everybody getting vaccinated and springtime, wecan open up more soon.”
The Shaler Public Library also has adopted a limited-browsing policy, allowing people back inside
under the same one-hour limit the Carnegie library system follows.
The Plum Public Library reopened to the public March 8, also imposing one-hour limits to let people browse the shelves and use other library services, according to its website.
The Wilkinsburg Public Library has been operating a virtual library, where people can browse different book genres, magazines, movies and other e-resources.
Any book chosen through the virtual library can be picked up through its Grab & Go services, which are similar to the curbside pickup other libraries are using.
While libraries throughout the Pittsburgh region are at various stages of reopening, they still are emphasizing the use of the curbside pickup option to limit contact.
Although the state is moving to allow businesses to have 75% of their occupancy rates inside, Ms. Thinnes doesn’t expect the Carnegie libraries to make
that shift right away.
“It will be slow for us,” she said. “It’s not going to happen overnight, and I think there will always be a virtual component. We’re just making sure that as a library we have an ability to provide resources to the entire community.”
Most public libraries
shifted all of their programming, like children’s story time and crafting classes, online after the pandemic struck.
“I think that we will maintain that hybrid experience,” Ms. Thinnes said.
The Dormont library has also considered continuing to offer programs online,
Ms. D’Agostino said.
For children’s programming, the library does what Ms. D’Agostino called “take and makes,” which are bags with all the materials kids needto complete a craft.
“Everybody has their niche,” she said. “We try to do service in any way we can during this time.”