2 library branches set to reopen with new hours, other changes

Mentor Public Library will begin the next step of its gradual re-opening when it opens its Main and Headlands branches to the public on June 8.

According to library Media Coordinator Jason Lea, things will look different when the library reopens, including new hours.

The Main Branch will offer a special browsing hour to senior citizens and vulnerable people from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., Mondays through Thursdays. Additionally, both Headlands and Main branches will close periodically throughout the day to allow staff time to clean the buildings thoroughly.

The new schedule for the Main and Headlands will be available on the library’s website.

“We want to strike a balance between safety and service,” Lea said. “We want to provide as many services as possible while keeping our patrons and staff as safe as possible. As an organization, it’s important that we be able to serve to the best of our abilities.”

During the times the buildings are closed to the public, people will still be able to pick up items from the drive-thru at Main and curbside at Headlands.

Lake Branch will remain closed to the public while the building receives an addition that was planned before the novel coronavirus pandemic began. While it is closed to the public, patrons can still pick up books, movies, and other items curbside from the Lake Branch.

Hundreds of thousands of books, movies, albums, video games, and more are available for lending. People also can get grab-andgo crafts, hotspots, ukuleles, cake pans, traffic cones, and flower, veggie, and herb seeds from MPL’s seed library.

The library is trying both new capacity limits and safety measures to balance both service and safety while re-opening.

There will be a limit to how many people can be in the Main and Headlands branches when they reopen. Capacity is 50 people at Main and five at the significantly smaller Headlands Branch, and the library asks that social distancing be maintained at all times.

The library’s staff has also taken additional steps to protect the residents’ health — installing screen shields at central locations. The library asks that everyone respect the protectors

“And, please know, our masks will be covering the biggest smiles when we get to see you again.” — Jason Lea, media coordinator

and not try to reach or talk around them.

Additionally, library staff will be cleaning surfaces more frequently and wearing masks.

To help protect the health and safety of all, visitors are asked to wear a face-covering while in the library. If a patron chooses not to wear a mask, library staff members may ask them to stand behind a screen shield before receiving individual assistance.

To allow for social distancing, computer use at both branches will be by appointment only. People can register for a two-hour block of computer time by calling the branch they wish to visit or by asking library staff.

Many of the library’s seating areas have been modified or removed. This is to encourage the “browse and go” model so that as many people as possible can use the library.

Still, it may be a while before Mentor Public Library can host storytimes and programs in its branches. But the library is already hosting some programs again online.

Families can enjoy storytimes every weekday on the library’s website, Facebook page, and YouTube channel.

The library also is hosting online book clubs, author talks, and more specialized programs via Zoom.

“We’ve missed our storytime families and our regular browsers,” Lea said. “We’ve missed our community. And, please know, our masks will be covering the biggest smiles when we get to see you again.”