The Longmont Public Library will be expanding its hours next month.
Since reopening in July after being shuttered in response to the coronavirus pandemic, the library has had limited hours and capacity.
Starting Sept. 8, the library will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 1 to 7 p.m. Wednesday. The children’s and teen’s sections, which currently are open three hours a day Monday through Saturday, will be open the same hours. Curbside delivery will remain in place.
Those who visit the library will be asked to observe safety practices, including entering only through on the east side of the building and maintaining 6 feet of social distance. Visitors ages 3 and older also will be required to wear face masks. Children 13 and younger must be accompanied by an adult, with whom they must remain while in the building.
The library is asking patrons to still use its “Grab-n-Go” model and not linger. “Those not actively browsing or checking out materials may be asked to leave,” according to a Wednesday email.
All visitors also will be required to provide their name and a way to contact them should contact tracing be necessary, which is mandated by the state, and visitors who show signs of potential illness may be asked to leave the building, according to the email.
Public computers are available by reservation only for 45-minute appointments at 10 and 11:30 a.m. and 1 and 2:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 1, 2:30, 4 and 5:30 p.m. Wednesday and 10 and 11:30 a.m. Saturday, according to the email. Reservations can be made up to a week in advance online or by calling 303-651-8769. Mobile printing will be available to all patrons.
Public seating and gathering areas, study and meeting rooms and the indoor book drop will remain closed, and toys, iPads and computers will not be available in the children's area.
In-person events, including storytimes, also remain suspended. The library, however, will continue its online-only programming through the end of the year. Those events can be viewed on the online calendar, the Children's Programs page, the Just for Teens page, and the Programs and Events page.
The library is quarantining all returned materials for three days before replacing them on shelves; cleaning high-touch surfaces more frequently; using protective shields where appropriate; and asking staff and visitors to stay home when sick, according to the email.
Correction: The hours appointments are available to reserve public computers at the library was incorrect in the original posting of this story.
