Rutland Free Library is following the lead of the state of Vermont in a gradual reopening to the public. It started to provide in-building services beginning Tuesday, June 2, at 10 a.m.
“This makes us one of the very first library reopenings statewide,” wrote Randal Smathers, director of the Rutland Free Library in an email. (The Agency of Commerce and Community Development allowed it beginning June 1).
In keeping with state directives, the Rutland Free Library plans to continuing to offer curbside service and Smathers said he hopes most patrons will “avail themselves of this easy-to-use way to borrow books, audiobooks, DVDs, and other materials.”
Do do so simply email rutlandfree@rutlandfree.org or call 773-1860 and library staff will have items ready, generally no later than the next day.
“We also understand that our users rely on us for many services that cannot be provided through curbside,” Smathers continued. “So we’ll be gradually reintroducing copy/scan, computer access, and printing, as well as the ability to browse the stacks to choose materials.”
Here’s what to expect at the library:
Masks required. Part of being a public library is serving at-risk clients. If you don’t have a mask or forget yours, we would be happy to provide one.
Social distancing. We are a big building and hope you find it easy to social distance. Two shelves = six feet!
A limit of 10 patrons at a time. We might need to ask you to wait at the door.
Computer access will be strictly rationed as we work to find the best, safest way to serve you. We’re happy to help; please ask. And we still have the fastest curbside WiFi in the county, 24/7.
We are quarantining all items for four days to ensure patron and staff safety. Please use the outdoor drop for returns to make this as easy as possible. There will be a delay between returning an item and having it come off your account. If this results in you being over an item limit, just let us know; we’ll be happy to override it so you can continue to borrow without interruption.
To allow us to quarantine, we’re closing off the Court St. door. Please use the Center St. (access ramp) side.
“We are excited to be able to reopen to the public and would appreciate your assistance in getting the word out to our users!” Smathers concluded.
