AMY Regional Library will gradually ease restrictions to the public during North Carolina Phase II, Executive Order 141.
The Director and the Regional Library Board, the governing body of the AMY Regional Library System, set and approve all library policy & procedures. The following library guidelines and policies, related to COVID-19, are developed by following the recommendations of North Carolina Executive Order 141, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, our local Toe River Health District and local Emergency Management Services.
Amber Westall Briggs, the Regional Library Director, kindly asks that if you have questions or concerns related to AMY Regional Library’s phased schedule, please direct those to her at (828) 682-4476 or director@amyregionallibrary.org. “It is a stressful time for most of us on many fronts, and especially for employees who are returning to work with the public. As librarians, we are committed to services that promote access, but as our profession requires of us, we are also committed to being properly informed, and that means keeping us as safe as possible during a pandemic, so we take this step seriously. We express our sincerest thanks to Toe River Health District and our Emergency Management Services in the area, who have answered many questions and kept us informed and supported. Thank you Yancey Mask Makers for keeping us safer.”
We know many of you need computer access or printing capabilities, so June 8-12, 2020, public libraries will allow computer use, as well as printing and faxing services available to the public by appointment only. Your appointment is specific to you, so please do not bring individuals with you. Contact your local library branch to make an appointment. Due to social distancing guidelines, library staff are not available to offer one-on-one computer help per usual but will assist from a distance when possible. Curbside service will continue at all library branches, outreach service will continue, and all book drops are open for returns (some with limited hours- check with your local library). All seed library checkouts are also available for curbside service; check with your local library’s inventory list to check out seeds.
Beginning June 15, 2020, all library branches will be open to the public for most services. Our library branches will have limited hours of operation, so we can properly sanitize the public spaces before and after public use. Libraries will follow Phase II guidelines and will limit indoor space to 10 individuals inside the library at a given time. All patrons visiting the library branches are required to wear face mask or cloth face covering. If you do not have a cloth face covering, a mask will be provided to you. Curbside service is still encouraged and will continue at all library branches. The Outreach Van is delivering books, so please email Jamie McCabe or give him a call if you would like a visit.
When we open to the public on June 15:
Limited Hours of Operation:
Libraries will be open to the public Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm & on Saturdays, 10am-12pm
Public library spaces have been adapted so that our staff and the public can social distance within the library. Armchairs, couches, and all other upholstered furniture is NOT available for public use. All library reference desks have counter guards and all floors are taped to guide you to social distance while in line at the reference desk. Computer labs will be available to the public on June 15, but some stations are removed to allow space between users. Stacks are available to peruse, but toys, games, children’s computers, and children’s cloth covered seating areas have been removed or blocked off from public use. Other library spaces and/or equipment or resources, specific to the library, may be unavailable. We will have signage.
Your public library branch may have specific guidelines for using their space that are particular to that library’s size and/or staff availability, so we ask you to please adhere to our procedures and policies within the specific library. Read signs and follow social distancing guidelines.
What we will do for you:
We implement good hygiene practices and infection control measures, following OSHA’s Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19, such as:
- promote frequent and thorough hand washing
- provide at least 60% alcohol based hand sanitizer to staff and the public
- create environments that promote social distancing
- follow good respiratory etiquette, so we cover all coughs and sneezes
- wear cloth face coverings when working with the public
- routinely disinfect and sanitize all surfaces and equipment
- quarantine and sanitize all returned library materials
- staff will stay home when sick
What you can do for us and for other members of the public:
- stay home if you are sick
- wear a cloth face covering
- wait 6 feet apart (avoid close contact)
- wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer
We are not charging fines, nor exchanging money during this reopening phase. This means if you are printing, we are NOT charging.
We are quarantining returned materials for 72 hours before checking them in, and during that time your online account will still say that you have them. This will not result in any fines.
All libraries, including the Regional Office, are unable to receive book donations at this time. We will update you when we are able to accept book donations.
The AMY Regional Library Bookmobile is not running during this phased reopening, but we have plans for the near future.
We are excited to see you soon.
#StayStrongNC
Information on Curbside Service
Information on Computer Use by appointment only
