Author name: Jessica Stroud

When the Harrison County Public Library opens its doors to the public June 15, things will look a little different.  “We are very happy to welcome you back, but expect some changes,” warned Alisa Burch, director of the library.  “For the protection of our community, staff will be wearing masks and we ask the public to wear masks as well.  Plexiglas sneeze guards and barriers will be in place on public service desks and you will be asked to stand behind the barriers to interact with staff.”

The library will enforce customer occupancy limits and patrons will be asked to limit visits to 60 minutes or less.  “The thought behind Grab and Go service is that folks will come into the library, browse for materials, check out and leave.  It is the exact opposite of what we normally do,” explained Burch.  “For years we have strived to be a community gathering place where families stay and get comfortable.   But for now we are asking the public to be patient and understand that they will not be able to linger.”  Children under the age of 16 will be required to stay with their adult caregiver while in the building.  Households will be asked to stay together and all patrons must adhere to social distancing and sanitation guidelines.

Some areas of the libraries will be restricted.  Meeting rooms are closed.  Some chairs have been removed.  Some computers will be turned off to enforce social distancing.  “Patrons may wish to call ahead for a computer appointment to ensure availability,” added Burch.  Computer usage will be limited to 60 minutes unless approved by prior arrangement.

Children’s toys, games and children’s educational computers will not be available.   

In-person programming such as storytimes and book clubs will not be offered.  “However the summer reading program, Imagine Your Story, is being offered virtually.  And each branch is offering some type of Crafts to Go,” said Burch.  “The staff has been working hard since our March 17 buildings’ closure to provide wonderful virtual programming.  Be sure to check it out on our website, www.hcpl.lib.in.us.”

Book drops have remained open.  All returns are being cleaned and quarantined.  “Patrons are still advised to use common sense when handling library materials,” said Burch.  “Wash your hands before and after handling library books and DVDs, avoid touching your mouth or face and don’t eat while reading library books.”

“We ask that you do not enter the library or check out library materials if you or any member of your household are ill,” said Burch.  

All library locations will return to normal service hours June 15.  “We will continue curbside pickup of materials and curbside document services for those who may not feel comfortable entering public spaces yet.  Call your local library branch for its curbside hours,” added Burch.

Library staff are committed to finding creative ways to offer the best service possible during the COVID pandemic.  For more information call 812-738-4110.

HCPL is pleased to announce that the library now offers the option to pay online for curbside document services–such as copies, faxes and print jobs–as well as for lost and damaged items. These payments can be made through your library account in the Enterprise online catalog. Cash and check payments for document services can be made when you arrive at the library; please click here for full details regarding curbside document services.

In order to make an online payment for your documents, please notify the library in advance that you wish to pay by credit or debit card so that the copy, fax or print fee is added to your online account.

HCPL offers a PDF guide to making online payments, available here. If you have a question regarding credit and debit card payments, please email the library or call your local branch.

The public can once again use computers at all Harrison County Public Library branches, but people must make an appointment in advance.  Appointments will begin Monday, June 1.

“People may register for one 60-minute session by calling their library branch,” said Alisa Burch library director.  “At this time no extensions will be allowed unless by prior arrangement.  We are taking precautions to ensure the safety of the public and our staff.”  

Precautions include:

• Only one person per time slot/computer (unless patron brings someone to assist them on the computer)
• Only adults age 18 or older will be allowed in the building.
• No headphones will be provided.  Patron may bring their own if needed.
• Access to the building will be limited to the assigned computer.  No browsing or restroom facilities will be available.
• Computer users must wear a mask or face covering.
• All people in the library are required to observe social distancing of at least six feet.

The library is also offering genealogy services by appointment at the Frederick Porter Griffin Center.  Those wishing to do research should call the FPGC at 812-738-5412.  In addition to the safety precautions already noted these additional procedures will be observed.

• Those making appointments will be asked, “What is your research focus” so staff may gather information in advance and to guarantee the documents needed are not in quarantine.  

• Staff will pull ALL materials for patron.
• Only one researcher will be allowed in the building at a time (one helper will also be allowed)
• Researchers will be asked to stand behind sneeze guards at the information desk when seeking assistance or copies.
• Researchers must wear a mask or face covering in the library building.
• No restroom facilities will be available.

“Do not enter any library facility if you are feeling sick or if any member of your household is sick,” added Burch.  “We ask anyone, staff or public, to do this two question self-assessment:

1. Do I feel like I have a fever? (if in doubt take your temperature)
2. Do I have a persistent cough not related to an allergy or other known condition?

If you answer yes to either question, do not enter the library,” continued Burch.  ”Cancel your appointment and reschedule after you and other members in your household are well.”

The library will continue to offer curbside pickup of books, magazines and DVDs and curbside document services.  Plans are underway to offer public access to all library buildings beginning June 15.

Hours for computer and genealogy services and curbside pickup and document services are:

Main Branch – 105 N. Capitol Ave., Corydon – 812-738-4110
Monday-Thursday 10 am – 7:30 pm
Friday & Saturday 10 am – 4:30 pm 

Palmyra Branch – 689 Haub St, Palmyra – 812-364-6425
Monday-Thursday 11 am – 7:30 pm
Friday & Saturday 9 am -4:30 pm 

Lanesville Branch – 7340 E. Pennington St., Lanesville- 812-952-3759
Monday-Thursday 12 -7:30 pm
Friday & Saturday 9 am -4:30 pm 

Elizabeth Branch – 5101 S. Main St, Suite 109, Elizabeth – 812-969-2899
Monday & Thursday 1-6:30 pm
Tuesday & Wednesday 1-7:30 pm
Friday & Saturday 10:30 am -3:30 pm

Frederick Porter Griffin Center – 117 West Beaver St., Corydon – 812-738-5412
Monday – Saturday 10 am – 4 pm