At Governor Beshear’s press conference last Wednesday, we learned libraries would be allowed to reopen June 8.
This is very exciting news, and we want to be upfront with our community about what this means – and what it doesn’t mean.
The Governor said specific guidelines and building capacity limits would be forthcoming. We don’t know exactly what reopening will look like yet. We do know that it won’t be “business as usual.” There will be new rules, new procedures, and service limitations. Some of these may be temporary, and some may be long term.
Before our closure and current renovation, it was common for hundreds of people to enter our building each day. Every day people touched the same books, computers, newspapers, study tables, and bathroom sinks. It was common for large groups of people to sit in close quarters in our meeting room to experience a program together. Young children would play with toys and look at books – and then minutes later another child would touch those same books and toys. In an environment that is designed for people to browse, linger, and share common resources – reopening in the midst of COVID-19 has serious implications.
We’re eager to welcome you back, and we want to do it safely. This will mean we need to go slowly at first. We have a lot to figure out in the coming weeks, and we will be able to make more decisions once those additional guidelines are released. You, our valued patrons, will be kept informed all along the way.
In the meantime, our building will remain closed to the public and we will begin curbside service June 1. We will share more details in the coming days about how it will work.
Thank you for your patience and your support as we navigate this new normal, together
