The Harrison County Public Library is committed to serving its patrons and the community in a manner ensuring safety and health. While there is nothing we’d love more than welcoming you back inside the library, time is needed to put precautions in place to continue to limit the spread of COVID-19.
With safety as the number one priority the library will reopen in phases. HCPL continues service while physical facilities are closed to the public through the library website with access to eResources, eBooks, downloadable audio, virtual programming and free Wi-Fi available in each location’s parking lots.
With the support of the Harrison County Health Department and the county commissioners, on May 4, the library began offering contact free curbside pickup of books and DVDs while protecting staff and the community.
Plans are currently underway to deliver contact free document services such as faxing, copying, printing and scanning. Offering computer service by appointment is being considered.
HCPL will continue to determine what reopening will look like. In the coming months library service will not look exactly like it did before. Thank you for your continued patience and support.
Employee Self-Assessment
Each morning before coming to work you should do this two question self-assessment:
- Do I feel like I have a fever? (if in doubt take your temperature)
- Do I have a persistent cough not related to an allergy or other known condition?
If you answer yes to either question,
-
- call your supervisor and let them know you will not be in.
- contact your medical professional to find out if you need testing.
Temperature Log
During this period of uncertainty, it would be a good idea to keep a temperature log. The log will establish an initial baseline. Set a time in the morning and evening to take your temperature and record it. Other factors besides illness can cause a change in temperature such as hormones, exposure to heat or cold or exercise. However, if you are feeling ill and you have a jump in your temperature log that would be an indication you should remain at home and consult your medical professional as noted above.
Illness with a Fever
If you experience an illness with a fever and a cough, you are urged to consult your medical professional and get a COVID test.
Remember
DO NOT ENTER ANY LIBRARY FACILITY if you are feeling sick or if any member of your household is sick.
Do not report to work if you have any of these symptoms: fever, cough, sore throat or headache not related to allergies, shortness of breath, chills or a new loss of sense of taste.
Cleaning/Disinfecting Protocols
- All returned library materials are cleaned, disinfected and quarantined for 24 hours prior to being shelved.
- Children’s play materials will be unavailable or limited.
- Staff are asked to clean and disinfect their work area on arrival and departure.
- Library janitorial staff have stepped up cleaning procedures and protocols.
- If a staff member becomes ill with a confirmed case of COVID-19, that branch will be closed for 24 hours and then disinfected by janitorial staff before reopening.
Hygiene Measures
- When handling incoming library materials staff will wear gloves.
- Staff are reminded not to touch their face even when wearing gloves.
- All staff have been trained in the proper procedure to remove and dispose of gloves.
- Staff will be asked to wash hands frequently for at least 20 seconds. When hand washing is not possible they will be asked to use hand sanitizer. Posters promoting hand washing are posted in all restrooms.
- Staff are asked to observe proper sneeze and cough etiquette. Tissues and trash cans are provided. Signs explaining proper sneeze and cough etiquette will be posted throughout the library.
- Staff will wear gloves and masks to deliver materials to cars.
- Books will be placed in open trunks, empty passenger seats or on car hoods.
- Each bag of books will include a flier reminding patrons to observe hand hygiene stating that although library materials have been cleaned and quarantined readers should wash their hands before and after handling library materials, avoid touching their mouth and face and refrain from eating while using library materials.
Social Distancing
- When in the building both staff and members of the public will be required to observe social distance of at least six feet.
- When entering common areas such as hallways and stairways staff will wear masks.
- Staff break rooms will be limited to one person at a time.
- Staff are asked not to congregate in parking lot, break rooms or lobbies.
- Materials must be returned in book drops and not handed to staff members.
- Patrons will be asked to remain in their cars during curbside service.
- Plexiglass barriers and clear liners may be put in place to protect staff and the public.
- Distancing markers may be placed on the floor in front of service desks to indicate where patrons may safely wait for assistance.
