Schlow Centre Region Library is continuing its phased reopening in response to the COVID-19 pandemic with the start of limited, in-person browsing next week.
Beginning Thursday, June 3, patrons will have the option of in-person browsing in select areas or lobby pick-up service as the library at 211 S. Allen St. gradually resumes regular operations.
The children’s department on the first floor and the adult/young adult collection areas on the second floor will be accessible for limited browsing. Masks will be required.
“We’re excited to get to this next stage of service for our patrons and the community, after a successful launch of lobby pick-ups in May,” Director Lisa Rives Collens said in a statement on the Schlow website. “Whether you’re comfortable coming inside briefly to browse, make your picks, and checkout or want to continue to reserve books and materials online then pick-up, we’ll be ready and here to help.”
Building capacity remains limited. Patrons are asked to make their selections and check out so others can have a turn to browse.
Staff have installed safety equipment, continued cleaning protocols and will be on hand to assist patrons returning to the library.
Public computers for library cardholders will be available on a first-come, first-served basis for sessions of up to 45 minutes. No appointments will be accepted.
The library’s onsite public parking lot will reopen on Thursday, with free validation during normal business hours.
Schlow also will resume accepting applications to reserve the library’s event space at the corner of East Beaver Avenue and South Allen Street.
Library hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday; 1-7 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday. Schlow is closed Saturday through Monday this week for Memorial Day weekend.
The return of browsing coincides with the start of Schlow’s Summer Reading Program, “Tails and Tales,” which offers everyone from babies to adults virtual events and chances to win prizes.
The Summer Reading Program and other library programming remains virtual through the summer. For more information visit the Schlow website.
