Hay Memorial Library Service Reopening Plan
Approved June 2, 2020
The COVID-19 virus has had an unprecedented impact on libraries and the communities they serve. This reopening plan outlays the level of library services available to the public and what safety measures will be used. This plan has been created based on the recommendations from local and national health agencies, social distancing protocols, and critical community needs. The primary consideration for this plan is the safety of patrons and staff, especially those vulnerable during this crisis period.
Please note: The library recognizes that even if it begins the process of reopening, it may become necessary for the organization to move back and forth between levels of services based on the severity of a regional outbreak. Any changes to the library’s level of service will be posted on our Facebook page and website at www.haymemoriallibrary.org.
Please be assured that the library has instated the following guidelines to ensure safety in the library during the COVID-19 crisis.
• Hygiene procedures for cleaning/disinfecting common areas, when public access is allowed.
• Requiring staff to wear protective gear such as masks and gloves while administering services.
• Allowing teleworking where it makes sense from an operational standpoint.
• Encourage staff to monitor for symptoms of the virus and/or testing, if needed.
• Special hours for library services for vulnerable populations.
• Health and Hygiene reminders posted, including the proper way to wear, handle, and dispose of masks and gloves.
The library will provided all staff of Hay Memorial Library with up-to-date training on proper hand washing procedures, safety and sanitation protocols related to COVID-19, and PPE equipment.
Service Levels for Hay Memorial Library
The following section outlines the 6 service levels Hay Memorial Library will provide to our community.
Service Level 1 (PURPLE): Complete Building Closure – ending June 7th, 2020
At this level, the risk of community transmission is substantial. New York state has closed non-essential businesses, prohibited non-essential gatherings of any size, and social distancing measures are in place.
For more information on NYS on PAUSE, please refer to:
https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/new-york-state-pause(link is external)
Who can access the building?
Staff will be allowed to access the building to perform essential functions. The public cannot access the building.
What services will the library offer?
Hay Memorial will offer virtual programming, social media engagement, help desk support, and promote NCLS e-books and online resources. No in-person programs or services will be offered.
Physical library materials cannot be circulated, and we discourage returns until safety precautions can be put in place.
Service Level 2 (RED): Partial Closure, No In-Person Services – June 8th – June 28th, 2020
At this level, the risk of community transmission is moderate. New York state has allowed 25% of non-essential staff to return to the workplace. Social distancing measures are in place.
For more information on state guidelines, please refer to: https://esd.ny.gov/nyforward-faq(link is external)
Who can access the building?
Staff will be allowed in the building to conduct administrative tasks. The public cannot access the building.
What services can the library offer?
Hay Memorial will offer virtual programming, social media engagement, help desk support, and promote NCLS e-books and online resources. No in-person programs or services will be offered.
Physical library materials cannot be circulated, and we discourage returns until safety precautions can be put in place.
Service Level 3 (ORANGE): Minimal In-Person Service – June 29th, 2020 – February 28, 2021
At this level, the risk of community transmission is moderate. New York state has allowed up to 50% of non-essential staff to return to the workplace. Social distancing measures are in place.
For more information on state guidelines, please refer to: https://esd.ny.gov/nyforward-faq(link is external)
Who can access the building?
Staff will be allowed in the building to conduct administrative tasks and limited library services. The public cannot access the building.
What services can the library offer?
Hay Memorial will offer most limited services and all programming online. No-contact, in-person services will be offered, including holds pickup, books by mail, bulk loans to partner organizations, make and take crafts for children, etc.
Libraries circulating physical materials should follow all associated safety precautions. In accordance with guidance from the CDC and IMLS, borrowed materials will remain in a 72-hour quarantine period. After the quarantine period, staff will disinfect all library materials with an CDC recommended cleaning solution.
Service Level 4 (YELLOW): Partial Public Access – March 2, 2021
At this level, the risk of community transmission is moderate. New York state has allowed up to 75% of non-essential staff to return to the workplace. Social distancing measures are in place.
For more information on state guidelines, please refer to: https://esd.ny.gov/nyforward-faq(link is external)
Who can access the building?
Staff will be allowed in the building to conduct administrative tasks and limited library services. The public will have limited access to the library building; gathering space & public in-person programs will not be available.
What services will the library offer?
The library will offer most programs and services online. No-contact, in-person services are offered, including curbside holds pickup, books by mail, bulk loans to partner organizations, make and take crafts for children, etc. Patrons may access public computers, with appropriate safety precautions.
Libraries circulating physical materials should follow all associated safety precautions. In accordance with guidance from the CDC and IMLS, borrowed materials will remain in a 72-hour quarantine period. After the quarantine period, staff will disinfect all library materials with an CDC recommended cleaning solution.
Service Level 5 (BLUE): Moderate Public Access
At this level, there is minimal risk of community transmission. New York state has allowed up to 100% of non-essential staff to return to the workplace. Social distancing measures are in place but may be relaxing.
For more information on state guidelines, please refer to: https://esd.ny.gov/nyforward-faq(link is external)
Who can access the building?
Staff will be allowed in the building to conduct administrative tasks and limited library services. The public will have access to the library building, with appropriate safety precautions in place.
What services can the library offer?
The library will offer a mix of in-person and online programs and services. Patrons can browse the collection, and physical library materials can be circulated with modifications to checkout procedures. Patrons can access public computers, with appropriate safety precautions. No-contact services such as curbside holds should be offered to high-risk patrons. In-person programming will be conducted where safety procedures can be observed.
Libraries circulating physical materials should follow all associated safety precautions. In accordance with guidance from the CDC and IMLS, borrowed materials will remain in a 72-hour quarantine period. After the quarantine period, staff will disinfect all library materials with an CDC recommended cleaning solution.
Service Level 6 (GREEN): Full Service Restored
At this level, there is no risk of community transmission. New York state has allowed 100% of non-essential staff to return to the workplace.
For more information on state guidelines, please refer to: https://esd.ny.gov/nyforward-faq(link is external)
Who can access the building?
At this level, all library staff have returned to work in the building and have resumed normal library services. Patrons have access to all public areas.
What services can the library offer?
Regular library service can be restored, and the library should offer a mix of in-person and online programs and services. Large gatherings of 50 or more people are allowed. No-contact services such as curbside holds should be offered to high-risk patrons.