Library, pool move forward with programs
As the coronavirus pandemic shows few signs of abating any time soon several questions remain as to how to open recreational facilities in a safe manner.
Town of Taos Library Director Kate Alderete and Taos Youth and Family Center Director Tony Struck are focused on restoring some sense of normalcy for Taoseños by reopening in some capacity during the health crisis.
“When it comes to safety, I can guarantee it’s probably the safest water in Taos,” Struck said about the center’s swimming pool.
During a July 14 town council meeting, Struck gave a presentation about the future of the center, which includes a soft opening of the pool and a return to lap swim. The center and its amenities have been closed since March due to the pandemic.
Following the installation of a new ultraviolet light filter for the pool, Struck is hoping to open the facility to a small number of swimmers interested in getting back in the water at some point in the future.
Swimmers will be able to sign up through the Taos Swim Club and will be assigned a number. According to Struck, that number will relate to both a parking space at the center as well as a lane to swim in.
“You’ll come ready to swim and once your time frame is done, you exit the facility,” Struck said.
Open swim will not be allowed for the time being. Swimming will be limited to lap swim with the swim club only.
Struck said there will also be no locker rooms available. Only one restroom will be open for swimmers to use to prevent as much contact as possible.
Despite the challenges, the Taos Youth and Family Center has launched its virtual recreation summer programs, which can be found on the center’s social media or website (taosgov. com/152/Youth-Family-Center).
From fishing to garden tips, members of the community can tune in to daily lessons five days per week for free.
Alderete has also been busy at the library and is nearing completion on the youth summer reading program. Weekly virtual programs have also been ongoing for library activities.
In addition, Taos community members will soon be able to pick up books from the library via a no-contact drive-through.
During the meeting, Alderete said staff will be holding the drive-up service on Thursdays and Fridays and will package books together for patrons. Patrons can order their books online (go to taosgov.com/151/
Library) and will be able to check them out in a safe environment.
Every Tuesday books can be returned from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Taos Public Library outdoor book slot at 402 Camino de la Placita. Returned books are sanitized by library staff before going back on the shelf.
Alderete said over 9,000 books are still checked out to patrons and staff is asking that those books be returned as soon as possible. No late fees will be assessed for overdue books during the pandemic.