Library system to open on limited basis
All Metropolitan Library System locations will begin offering limited services beginning at 10 a.m. Monday when holds pickup service begins via curbside delivery. Customers will also be able drop off books to the drive-up and walk-up outdoor book drops.
Outdoor bookdrops were reopened this week and customers were once again able to begin placing holds on materials. Materials dropped off at the bookdrops will be held in a 72-hour quarantine prior to going back to the shelf for the safety of customers, a news release states."We have been watching the communication from Governor Stitt and all of the city mayors and are following guidance of those state and city leaders in our gradual, phased reopening," said Julie Ballou, executive director. "We are developing our plans to begin resuming services with the safety of staff and customers as a priority."
Customers can still explore online programming and digital materials and now also browse material and place holds online at www.metrolibrary.org. They may also call 405-231-8650 if they don't have access to the online catalog or want to request tailored book suggestions.
Customers will be notified when their holds are ready at their chosen location. To pick up holds, customers should call that library's phone number when they have parked outside and a staff member will deliver the prebagged holds to their trunk, truck bed or SUV cargo hold."While during Phase 1 there won't be customers in the physical buildings, we hope that providing online holds and curbside pickup can help customers get their next great read," Chris Kennedy, deputy director of public service.
Coalition provides homeless safety net
The Oklahoma City Community Foundation is working with a coalition of central Oklahoma's largest health systems and area shelters to provide a safety net for members of the homeless community amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Central Oklahoma Community Health Impact Team has developed a COVID19 response plan to support the shelter of up to 190 central Oklahoma individuals experiencing homelessness who are ready for discharge from the hospital or those who do not require hospitalization but are unable to isolate at home.
Grace Rescue Mission will shelter up to 40 individuals with increased vulnerability to COVID-19 because of underlying health conditions. City Rescue Mission will shelter up to 150 individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19, are awaiting test results or are symptomatic.
Additionally, the shelters will provide food, laundry and cleaning services, security and operations management. The Homeless Alliance will serve as operational lead for this project to help organize the shelters, contractors and funders.
The operation was made possible through funding from a $ 150,000 Oklahoma City Community Foundation 2020 Disaster Relief Fund grant, $50,000 from Oklahoma City Community Foundation Trustee Ronnie Irani and his wife, Shahnaaz, and additional funding from the Oklahoma City-County Health Department.
Some campgrounds reopening
As restrictions ease in Oklahoma, recreational businesses such as campgrounds are once again able to welcome RV guests.
The following Kampgrounds of America properties are once again open: Oklahoma City East KOA Holiday, El Reno West KOA Journey and Elk City/ Clinton KOA Journey. KOA campgrounds will be taking extra precautions to keep visitors safe during their stay. Not all facilities are open, and services are limited. Operational changes to align with these precautions will vary by campground and are noted on each individual campground's page on KOA.com.