The Pelham Library Reopens Building to Patrons

The Library is pleased to announce that we will be welcoming patrons back into the building on July 27^th for limited use. We are excited to be moving into the next stage of our reopening plan and have taken new measures and implemented new procedures to promote social distancing, including limiting the number of people in the Library building at one time.

Understanding these changes will help you have a better experience at the library, which we have detailed below. Please note that many of our services (including notarization) are available online until further notice. Additionally, our hours and services may change, so please be patient with us as we do our best to meet our community’s needs while upholding best practices for public health. We will also continue to provide contact-free, curbside checkout and encourage patrons to place holds through the online catalog instead of in person or by calling us at 914-738-1234.

New Guidelines

• In order to maintain social distancing, the number of people admitted in the building at one time will be limited. Please keep your visit to no longer than 30 minutes so other patrons may enter.
• Patrons over the age of 2 must wear masks at all times.
• Patrons must practice social distancing from other patrons and employees.
• Patrons may browse the stacks, check out items, and use the photocopier machine. Unfortunately, the computers are not yet available for use, although we anticipate restoring computer access in the next stage of reopening. Seating is not available.
• Patrons must enter and exit the building from the main (Wolfs Lane) entrance.
• Only one household at a time will be permitted in the children’s room.
• If you are only picking up holds, please use curbside services by calling the library.
• All book returns should be made through the book drop at the back (Carol Place) entrance. Please do not enter the building to return books (see below for more information on returns.)
• Please call us or email us for new cards or account-related issues or if you need help selecting materials. We can be reached at 914-738-1234 or pelhamlibrary@wlsmail.org.

Hours

In order to allow us more time to keep our building and collections clean as well as decrease indoor exposure to the virus, the hours when patrons may enter the building are reduced. We will continue to provide curbside and virtual services during our regular hours. Our schedule for both building visits and curbside pickup is below. Please arrive no later than 15 minutes before closing. Hours are subject to change.

Facilities

For the safety of our patrons and staff, we have made changes to the Library building:

• Tempered-glass “sneeze guards” have been installed in front of the circulation desk and patrons will be asked to form a line at 6 feet distance from one another.
• Hand sanitizer will be available upon entering the building at the front door.
• The water fountain has been turned off per the recommendation of the New York State Department of Health, and the bathrooms are not available.
• Use of the study areas and non-collection spaces is restricted to the public until further notice.

Programs and Services

• In-person programs will not be offered, but we will continue to offer virtual programs.
• Notarization is still available virtually by videoconferencing (until further notice) and in person by appointment only.
• Curbside printing is available. Please call the reference desk for more information at 914-738-1234.

Circulation Procedures

• All materials should be returned via the book drop at the back of the building, at which point they will be held in quarantine for four days before being checked in. For this reason, items will remain on your account for up to six days after you return them. Once the materials are checked in, any related charge will be removed from your account.
• Please return any overdue items as soon as possible to the book drop on Carol Place.
• At this time, we are discontinuing access to newspapers and magazines for browsing. Patrons can check out magazines if they wish to read them.

NOTE: An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. According to the Centers for Disease Control, senior citizens and those with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable. For more information on who should take extra precautions, please visit the CDC’s COVID-19 Information Page.