Welcome to the James River Valley Library System

Phase 2 Policy Beginning 8/3/2020

Library Reopening Plan

JRVLS Phase 2

Library operation is subject to maintaining adequate sanitation, health, and protective supplies.

The Board will monitor the COVID-19 situation for possible re-evaluation of the library’s service status; a positive COVID-19 test from any library employee will result in immediate closure of the libraries.

The Board will determine the timing of reopening phases based on the evolving situation, and will do so in accordance with recommendations or directives from the Governor’s office and local officials.

The goal of Phase 2 service is getting patrons into and out of the library as efficiently as possible, thereby reducing risks.

Library hours will be as follows:

ADPL will be open 10 am – 6 pm M-F
SCL will be open 9 am – 5 pm M-F

The following Phase 2 restrictions will be put in place to minimize risks for patrons and employees:

Social Distancing

Maximum number of patrons at any given time:

ADPL: 25
SCL: 10
- Extra patrons will wait outside
- Patrons will be encouraged not be loiter in the library and may be asked to leave if they stay for more than 30 minutes

Patrons will be expected to social distance in 6-foot intervals (except for families).

One chair will be available at each patron table with a 20-minute limit per patron.

Soft chairs will not be available.

New magazines will be available for checkout to facilitate short library visits.

Libraries will operate checkout lines with spacing clearly delineated.

There will be no public meetings or programming except for social media events.

The meeting room will be closed.

Prevention Measures

Patrons & staff will be requested to wear masks.

Staff will be encouraged to wear gloves as needed.

Staff will be required to use hand sanitizer and/or wash hands regularly.

Hand sanitizer will be provided to patrons.

State-provided COVID-19 signage will be posted at entrances:

People with cough or fever must not enter the library
Social distancing guidelines
Handwashing guidelines

Patrons who appear ill (e.g. excessive coughing) or express that they are not feeling well will be asked to leave.

Staff will sanitize patron surfaces regularly, including restrooms and photocopiers.

Staff will be responsible to sanitize their own work stations regularly, including telephones.

Patrons will be given instructions for sanitizing library items at home.

Item donations will not be accepted.

Staff will use gloves when handling cash.

Limiting Contact with Librarians

Items will be returned to the book drops or to bins at the circulation desks:

Staff will not check in or handle returns
Returned items will be quarantined for 3 days prior to check-in

Plexiglass sneeze guards will shield checkout stations.

Patrons will slip checkout items under plexiglass so librarians don’t need to touch.

Fines & fees:

Staff will not accept cash payments

Patrons may check out normally if they have less than $50 in fines and fees (they will pay later)
Patrons will NOT be able to check out if they have fines and fees of $50 or more (we will accept checks but not cash)

Photocopier services will be available on a donation-envelope basis (no change offered).

Employees will not assist patrons with large reference requests, but quick answers will be provided if time permits.

Staff may print items for patrons if time permits.

Limiting Contact with Library Equipment

Patron computers will be available for limited use:

2 adult computers available at ADPL & SCL
By reservation only
20 minute sessions; limit of one session per user
Staff will disinfect between sessions
Headphones will be kept at the desk (we will look into disposable headphones distributed on a donation basis)
Children’s computers will remain closed
SCL computers will be for ages 15 and up