HAMPTON LIBRARIES NO LONGER ON THE SHELF
Closed since March, facilities reopen during Phase 3
HAMPTON — Several people already were waiting outside Wednesday at 10 a.m. to go inside the Hampton Public Library on Victoria Boulevard, which hadn’t been open since March.
“That’s one reason why I didn’t go (Wednesday). I knew there was going to be a lot of people,” Hampton resident Stanley Douglas said the next day.
On Thursday, Douglas, 68, who uses a cane to walk, came from the library lugging a sack filled with books and DVDs, slanted on topics toward his interest in horses. He didn’t spend much time inside, but said he was glad it was open again.
In all, some 50 people came within the first hour on Wednesday at the main branch — and an hour is all patrons are permitted under new rules and policies as public facilities navigate how to operate during the COVID-19 pandemic. Staffers said more people came Wednesday, the beginning of Phase 3 reopening, than on Thursday, but they anticipate things picking up with children out of school.
And they’re ready. With social distancing and crowd controls in effect, the new norms at Hampton branches include shortened hours, no Sundays, limits to an hour inside and public internet use at wellspaced computers. Patrons 10 and older must wear masks and will be given one if necessary.
Most modifications in place, including a color-coded tag system so staff will know when a patron’s hour is up, had been developed over the past several weeks during conversations with other library
directors around the state who came up with best practices and other ideas, director Valerie Gardner said.
“Libraries weren’t specifically in the governor’s (Phase 3) guidelines. I cobbled together what would work for Hampton,” Gardner said. “This is new for all of us. We’re taking it phase by phase. There is not a template for this. This never happened before. It’s up to each of the individual directors.”
Gardner’s plan also provides for library stations outfitted with sneeze guards and plastic shields for staff to protect their faces. Bathrooms will be cleaned every two hours. Keyboards and other computer equipment will be cleaned after every use. Staff also will use screen sharing software to help patrons with computer issues if they arise.
During the past three months, Hampton libraries had offered curb-side services — which will continue — for patrons who placed books and other media on hold.
“I’ve had a few requests for books, but I like to look at the books,” said Margot Rous, a Fort Monroe resident who combed the shelves Thursday. “I am thrilled the library is open. I missed it terribly.”
Libraries also are a haunt for many who want to come out of the heat or to a get drink — and they have a plan for that, Gardner said.
“At this time, we are not encouraging lingering. I have removed all the comfortable seating areas. When our patrons come to use our services, we don’t want people to congregate,” she said. “The homeless are welcome to come out of the heat and can get a cup to get a drink from the water fountain.”
Gardner added that many libraries have turned off the water fountains, but she is allowing it because, “the weather is hot, and they should be able to get a drink.”
Several who came Thursday really missed the administrative services the library offers.
“So, this is your sticker and you have one hour in the building,” children’s librarian Olivia Hansan said as she handed colored stickers to Lynette Mullins, 29, and Jessica Boyd, 36, both of Hampton, who were looking for the fax machine.
Ashley Lee, 30, an Army veteran, came to use the printer. He reflected on how the coronavirus pandemic has altered the hours of many places, which now close earlier, and realizes he cannot pop in any time he wants.
“Makes you more grateful when it’s open,” Lee said.
Hampton is among some Peninsula-area libraries, including Newport News, Poquoson and Williamsburg, that have reopened with modified hours. In Norfolk, beginning Tuesday, only the Jordan-Newby Anchor Branch, Mary D. Pretlow Anchor Branch, and Slover Library will offer limited “grab-n-go” services.
No other locations there will open. Virginia Beach and Portsmouth branches remained closed due to COVID-19, according to their websites. Chesapeake branches are open Sunday, but its website says online services are the safest as the city begins a partial reopening.
All Hampton branches are closed for the July 4th holiday and will reopen at 10 a.m. Monday. Modified hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, closed Sunday.
“This is new for all of us. We’re taking it phase by phase. There is not a template for this. This never happened before.”
— Valerie Gardmer, library director