Reopening Plan

The Middle Country Public Library will be entering Phase III on July 8, 2020. The Centereach and Selden buildings will be open to the public with limited capacity and services. Curbside assistance, virtual programs and virtual one-on-one appointments will continue during Phase III.

The following services will be provided:

• Computer use (30 minutes)
• Browsing of limited collections
• Checking out materials
• Scanning, faxing, and photocopying
• Returns of larger items

We are taking a number of precautions to prioritize the health and safety of our staff and patrons. We are quarantining returned items for 72 hours, providing proper personal protection equipment and implementing guidelines and recommendations from our local health officials and the CDC. While in the library, all patrons over the ages of 2 must wear masks and practice social distancing.

Although the Library will be operating differently during this time, we are committed to providing our community with the best customer service. We thank you for your patience, cooperation and ongoing support. We look forward to welcoming you back!

Frequently Asked Questions

What hours will the library be open during Phase III?
The library will be resuming its regular hours and will be open Monday-Friday 9:30am-9:00pm and Saturday 9:30-5:00pm.

Why are there limits on how many people can be in the library at a time?
Following state and local public health guidelines, the library is limiting its capacity to allow for effective social distancing to be maintained at all times.

How much time will I have in the library?
Visits will be limited to 60 minutes.

What services will be available?
During their visit, patrons will be able to check out and return materials; use a computer; have a staff member assist them with scanning, faxing, or copying; and obtain reference assistance from a librarian.

Will I have to wait in line to enter the library?
If capacity limits are reached, patrons may have to wait in line until space is available. Library staff will manage the line to ensure there is adequate space between individuals.

What safety measures are in place?
To ensure the safety of patrons and library staff, the following have been put in place:

• All staff required to wear masks and personal protective equipment (PPE)
• All patrons over 2 years old required to wear masks
• All staff and patrons required to maintain at least six feet of distance from others
• Protective barriers being installed at service desks
• Materials being quarantined for 72 hours before being put back into circulation
• Hand-sanitizing stations available in all areas
• All copying, faxing, and print retrieval will be done by staff
• Most library seating removed

Computer Usage

Can I use a computer?
Computers can be used for a 30 minute session, extendable to a second 30 minutes, if no one is waiting.

Can staff help me at the computer?
Staff can provide assistance, which may be limited by social distancing requirements.

Can I scan, fax, or make photocopies?
A staff member can assist you with scanning, faxing, or making copies.

Circulation

How can I return materials?
Most materials can be returned using the drive-up returns available in each building. Items too large to be returned this way can be returned in the building – there will be a table where items can be placed, rather then handing them directly to a staff member.

How can I pick up my holds?
Holds can be picked up directly from the holdshelf or through curbside pickup. More information about curbside pickup can be found at https://www.mcplibrary.org/curbside

Can I browse the collection?
New items will be available for browsing. The main stacks will be closed and items from there can be retrieved by a staff member upon request.

Is the library accepting donations?
The library is not accepting any donations at this time.

Programs and Meeting Rooms

Is the library still offering programs?
The library is only offering online programs at this time. Some are prerecorded and available on YouTube and others are presented live using Zoom. For more information, please visit https://www.mcplibrary.org/online-programs

Is the Summer Reading Club still being offered this year?
Yes! This year’s theme is “Imagine Your Story.” Please visit https://www.mcplibrary.org/summer-reading-club to learn more about this year’s club!

Will the Nature Explorium be open?
The Nature Explorium will be open by appointment. Procedures will be in place to ensure social distancing.

Are meeting rooms available for use?
Meeting rooms and study rooms are not available for use at this time.