AMY Regional Library System Update:
Curbside service is still available. Please contact your local library for specific information or read more below.
Avery Morrison Library in Newland is open for appointment ONLY with limited hours (M-F, 10-4 and Sat 10-12) and a maximum of 10 persons in the building at one time. Computer use is limited to 30 mins. To make an appointment, please call (828) 733-9393 or email at acpl@amyregionallibrary.org
Mitchell County Library in Bakersville is open to the public with limited hours (M-F, 10-4 and Sat, 10-12) and a maximum of 10 persons in the building at one time. The door will be locked when you arrive, but staff will open the door for you. Computer use is limited to 30 mins.
Spruce Pine Library is open to the public with limited hours (M-F, 10-4 and Sat 10-12) and a maximum of 10 persons in the building at one time. The door will be locked when you arrive, but staff will open the door for you. Computer use is limited to 30 mins.
*** If you have a pressing situation, such as applying for unemployment or filling out an online application and need the computer for longer than 30 min, please explain to staff, and we will try to work with you regarding more time. Due to the size of the library you are visiting and how many patrons are already inside, it is at the discretion of the Branch Manager to make this call. Please be understanding and patient.***
Yancey County Library in Burnsville is CLOSED to the public. The bookdrop is also closed. If you have materials to return, please wait until the bookdrop is open. We will not charge fines during this time period. If you need assistance with your account or have questions for staff, please contact (828) 682-4476 or email the Director at director@amyregionallibrary.org
Further information:
Three of our library branches are open with 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 under Executive Order No. 147 to wear face mask or cloth face covering. Curbside service is still encouraged and will continue at all library branches. The Outreach Van is delivering books, so please email Bookmobile & Outreach Librarian Jamie McCabe or give him a call at 682-4476 if you would like to receive books.
Our libraries have limited hours of operation and these hours are subject to change depending on staff availability and/or changes made at a county/town level due to COVID-19 community spread.
Libraries are open to the public Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm & on Saturdays, 10am-12pm
Our public libraries do not look the same as they did prior to COVID-19. 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. Computers are available, 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.
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.
Information on Curbside Service
Information regarding face covering requirements
#StayStrongNC