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Wood County libraries reopening with limits today

PARKERSBURG — The Parkersburg and Wood County Public Libraries will reopen with limited services today.

The library has been closed since the order by the governor to prevent the spread of the virus during the pandemic.

The goal is to make visiting the library as seamless as possible and the guidelines are based on guidance from the Gov. Justice’s West Virginia Strong — The Comeback Plan and recommendations from the CDC.

Hours at the Emerson Avenue main library will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday, and closed Saturday and Sunday.

The number of patrons at one time will be limited to 45. The Young Reader’s Room is limited to one family or five people at a time.

Enter through parking lot entrance.

The South Parkersburg Library will be open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, and closed Saturday and Sunday. The limitation on patrons at a time is 10.

Enter through front door and exit to the patio.

Hours at the Williamstown Library will be 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, and closed Saturday and Sunday. The limit is five patrons at a time.

Enter from front of building facing the street. Exit to the parking lot. Due to different circumstances at each library, services may vary slightly.

Among other restrictions, patrons may have to wait in line to get into the libraries and should maintain 6 feet distance apart.

The library strongly encourage wearing a face mask covering nose and mouth for the safety of others in the library. The library will offer a disposable face mask to those who don’t have one.

Staff members are required to wear a mask or face covering.

Do not bring food and drinks into the library. Hand sanitizer will be provided for patrons and staff. Staff are cleaning common services throughout the day.

Children over 8 are able to independently visit the library for materials, but cannot remain in the library for extended periods of time. Children 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Items to be returned must be returned in the outside book drops at each site, including Interlibrary loan items. Items may not be returned inside or to staff.

Returned materials are quarantined before checking in and cleaning, so it may not show on an account for a few days that the materials have been returned.

Among available services, curbside services will continue at Emerson, South and Williamstown upon request. The library is continuing to fine-tune the new service.

High risk patrons are encouraged to come the first hour when they will be able to browse the collection in-person. Place items to be held from home by going online or by telephone, with a limit of five by phone, to make the visit quicker and easier.

For online downloadable material through WVREADS (Overdrive) and Hoopla, go to Parkwoodlib.com-Digital library.

Each location will offer limited computer use with fewer stations at this time. Appointments are encouraged. Service is offered on a walk-up basis, but patrons may have to wait in line outside.

Sessions will be limited to one 30-minute session per day. Essential use only due to limited time and stations and no gaming will be permitted.

The printer, copier and fax machine will be self-service due to the distancing rules. The library has remote printing capability through the ePRINTit Mobile app.

Notary service will be by appointment only. Call the library to schedule an appointment. Patrons will have to provide witnesses.

Free Wi-Fi is available outside of the library.

Among unavailable services and programs, the use of libraries as a meeting place, leisure space or study area is not permitted at this time. The library’s usual seating and tables are unavailable until further notice.

We normally enjoy your staying for longer visits to read and relax, but not at this time. We look forward to seeing each of you and will do our best to make your short visit as rewarding as possible.

Computer assistance will not be available. The service can not be rendered due to distancing rules.

No computer services will be in the children’s room at Emerson Avenue. No toys or games are provided in the children’s sections of the library.

AARP volunteers will return for 2020 for tax service and there will be no book donations.

For more information, call the library at 304 420-4587.

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