With minimal fanfare but abundant excitement, Longmont Public Library staff will open the Library doors to patrons on Thursday, July 23 for the first time in four months. In order to best protect the public and staff, the Library will reopen with a limited “Grab-n-Go” operating model in place. Here’s what you need to know before you decide to visit.
Under this model, Library visitors can:
- Browse and check out materials
- Get a library card at the temporary information desk
- Pick up their holds
- Use computers, printers, and scanners by appointment
- Use public copier machines
- Shop the Friends of the Longmont Library bookstore
- Continue to use the Curbside Delivery service during those same hours
The Library will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and limited to 25 patrons in the building at a time.
During those same times, Curbside Delivery service will continue to be available to patrons who prefer not to enter the Library or cannot wear a face covering. Complete details for Curbside Delivery are available here.
The Children’s and Teens’ section will be open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and limited to 10 people in the area at a time.
All visitors will need to enter through the doors on the building’s east side, off Emery Street.
All visitors ages three and older will be required to comply with the governor’s order to wear face coverings and asked to maintain six feet of social distance between themselves and others.
All children ages 13 and younger must be accompanied inside the Library and will be required to stay with their adult caregiver while in the Library.
Patrons will be asked to limit their time in the building. Those not actively browsing or checking out materials may be asked to leave.
Public computers will be available by reservation only, for a limited appointment period, and no extra time will be allowed so proper cleaning can be performed between appointments. Patrons can make reservations up to a week in advance online or over the phone, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. by calling at 303-651-8769. The computer lab schedule will be:
- Monday through Friday, 45-minute appointments at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
- Saturday, 45-minute appointments at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
Mobile printing will continue to be available to all patrons. Details on how to use this service may be found here.
Public restrooms are available on the second floor of the Library only, which is accessible by stairs and elevator, but no changing tables are available at this time.
As part of the plan approved by BCPH, all visitors will be required to provide their name and one way to contact them should contact tracing be necessary. Visitors who show signs of potential illness may be asked to leave the building.
While most patrons will be able to do most of the things they are used to doing at the Library, some things will continue to be different than patrons are accustomed to. For instance, the following will not be available:
- Public seating, gathering areas, study rooms, or meeting rooms
- Toys, iPads, or computers in the Children’s area
- In-library programs and events, including storytimes
- The indoor book drop
All of these steps have been carefully contemplated to provide the most and best services to Longmont Library users while creating the safest possible place to do so. In addition to the above restrictions and guidelines, the Library will be taking many precautions to protect all who visit the Library building including:
- Quarantining all returned materials for three days before replacing them on shelves
- Cleaning high touch surfaces more frequently
- Using protective shields where appropriate
- Asking staff and visitors to stay home when sick
All fines and fees have been waived during the Library’s closure, but late fees will begin to accrue again when the Library reopens on July 23. Patrons with questions about fines or their accounts can call 303- 651-8470.