TWIN FALLS, Idaho — The Twin Falls Public Library is offering curbside pickup for phase one of the four stage plan to reopen the state. The library is focusing on precautions that should be taken to protect staff and patrons.
"Continually doing hand hygiene, washing the hands making for sure, wherever we’re touching, we’re wiping down as well" said library director, Tara Bartley.
The staff will also be social distancing and wearing personal protective equipment.
The library has limited the amount of people who can attend work in person. Six departments assist in making operations run smoothly, and one person from each department will be allowed to work in the library physically.
This is being done so that people who may have questions geared towards a specific branch, someone that field can answer. The staff will also consist of three others who will be handing out the books to their patrons.
Safety for patrons is another big concern, and lots of steps are being taken to protect them from possibly getting ill. Workers who are delivering books to cars are required to wear face masks and gloves and will be social distancing.
"Anytime we go outside to deliver the materials we will either deliver them to the patrons trunk or we will leave them on the sidewalk. Take a few steps back and have the patron come and grab those materials" said CJ Rasmusson, Circulation Department Head.
Books that are distributed will be done so with a plastic cover. Once returned, the books will be left out for 72 hours to get rid of any possible germs and then cleaned with Oxivir, which helps kill pathogens, including viruses and bacteria.
The library is still offering their online services so people can access books, daily story times, online book clubs and discussion groups.
Once phase two starts there will be open air computer lab that will run out of their bookmobile garage. Stations will be six feet part and disinfected on a regular basis. The library will offer curbside pickup until the state is fully reopened.
Pickup hours are Monday through Friday 10 am until 2 pm and up to 20 items can be placed on hold when ordering.
