Florida Public Library to reopen this month
Village of Florida. The plan calls for steadily expanding services over the summer.
| 06 Jun 2020 | 04:39
Florida Public Library has adopted a reopening plan to bring back library services and programs. Full-time, then part-time staff, will report over the next two weeks to organize for a limited offering of essential services to the public. The plan calls for steadily expanding services over the summer. Photo illustration by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels.
Florida Public Library has adopted a reopening plan to bring back library services and programs that began Monday, June 8, when staff will get back to work in the building.
Full-time, then part-time staff, will report over the next two weeks to organize for a limited offering of essential services to the public. The plan calls for steadily expanding services over the summer.
On June 8, the book return opened so that patrons could return the library materials they checked out several months ago. No fines have accrued and no new fines will be levied for the foreseeable future.
All items now checked out have an extended due date of June 30. Returned items will be quarantined for seven days before being checked in, so they will still appear on patrons’ library records for a week after return.
On Monday, June 22, curbside service will begin and holds may be placed on items in Florida’s local collections.
Holds may be made through the online catalog, the RCLS Gateway app, by emailing fpl@rcls.org or by calling (845) 651-7659.
Curbside service will be provided to any patron of an RCLS member library with a valid card.
Photocopying, faxing and public notary services will be available by appointment.
Any patrons using the library for these essential services will be required to wear face masks and practice social distancing.
FPL’s Summer Reading Program, “Just Imagine” will be offered online for all ages. Details will be publicized soon. It is hoped that regular programming can resume in September.
In the meantime, during the phased reopening, library users are encouraged to find instant reading material at the Little Free Library on the porch of Roe Brothers, Inc., to use the library’s free wi-fi available in the parking lot or on the deck and enjoy online programming.
“Staff are eager to get back to work in their familiar space” said Director Madelyn Folino. “We have had so many inquiries from patrons who miss the library and want to visit. We miss our patrons, too. Please check our website, social media, or give us a call so we can share the latest news on how we’re reopening safely as quickly as conditions allow.”