Edith Wheeler Memorial Library is open for in-person browsing – The Monroe Sun

MONROE, CT Nina Bartlomiejczyk walked into the breezeway inside Edith Wheeler Memorial Librarys main entrance Tuesday afternoon, and rang a doorbell to gain entry into the building.

Director LornaRhyins made sure Bartlomiejczyk was wearing a mask. Then Bartlomiejczyk rubbed her hands together with hand sanitizer, as Rhyins turned on the automatic glass double-doors.

After months of being limited to curbside service and remote programming amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the libraryopened its doors to the public for walk-in browsing on Oct. 13.

The library has been adding hours and services incrementally since it first closed its doors in March, Rhyins said. Instead of moving ahead with a splash, we are continually finding new ways to make services available safely to our patrons.

While making these decisions, Rhyins has been working closely with First Selectman Ken Kelloggs office and Health Director Nancy Brault.

Rhyins said the computer station is open by appointment with 45 minute time slots and library staff cleans the workspaces whenever a computer has been used.Patrons can use the nearby copier machine too, though they must bring their own change or dollars. Copies can also be made remotely for people to pick up.

Library computers can be accessed by making an appointment on the towns online calendar.

Safety measures are in place throughout Edith Wheeler Memorial Library to protect the health of patrons and staff.

Rhyins said a scanner will soon be setup by the computers for visitors to use.

Hours are still limited, but have recently been expanded to include Saturday mornings, according to Rhyins.

The library is open for walk-in browsing from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday and from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday.

Curbside Service, Best Sellers

Edith Wheeler Memorial Library Director Lorna Rhyins shows off the best selling book collection outside the front entrance.

In addition to opening the building, Edith Wheeler Memorial Library is continuing both itsLibrary-to-Go curbside service and bestseller patio browsing for those who prefer to access their library materials remotely.

Shelves of best selling books outside the library entrance may be checked out by patrons using their library cards. Cards inside each book are filled out, then dropped into a box.

Well check them out later, Rhyins said of adding the transactions into the librarys computer system. While scanning the shelves, she added, this is a good selection and we have puzzles.

Puzzles can be borrowed on an honors system and one shelf has materials for crafts-to-go.The library also offers wifi outside with 24/7 access, so people can use their electronics in their cars in the parking lot.

EWMLs online services have been active since the pandemic began.

We invested in extra downloadable books this year, so that collection is larger and more accessible than in the past, Rhyins said.

EWML programs, which have operated successfully via Zoom since March will stay in an online format for the time being. Rhyinssaid a Connecticut Humanities grant has allowed the library to continue its robust programming.

One program, United States in WWII: Perspectives on History with a Modern-Day Context, is an eight-session series presented by Arthur Gottlieb on Zoom. Rhyins said the series, which is co-sponsored by the Monroe Historical Society,is meant to appeal to older men.

Health precautions

Edith Wheeler Memorial Librarys staff work behind acrylic dividers as a measure to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

New rules are in place to ensure the safety of patrons and staff. Masks are required, the building has undergone a thorough cleaning, and high-touch surfaces are being wiped down on a regular basis.

The entrance to the childrens library at the buildings lower level has the same setupas the main entrance does, with a doorbell and hand sanitizer dispensers.

Inside, the childrens library may not be accessed from the stairs on the upper level to avoid people walking by each other. AndRhyins said use of the elevator is limited to those with disabilities, because it is an enclosed space.

Social distance markers are on the library carpet, along with directional arrows, and acrylic dividers were installed on desks and countertops, in accordance with the governors guidelines.

Markers inside the library promote social distancing.

Chairs have been removed and common spaces have been shutdown because extended visits to meet, work or study are not yet allowed. This means the librarys meeting rooms, makerspace, and caf remain closed. On the childrens level, toys have been stored away to prevent the spread of germs.

Rhyins said returns are quarantined for a few days, before going back into circulation.

Reuniting with patrons

Rhyins said she and her staff members are happy to have patrons walking through their doors again after having been remote since March.

Its been really sad not seeing all of our patrons, so its gratifying to be able to see peoples faces again, say hello and see how theyre doing, she said.

Bartlomiejczyk, of Monroe, aSouthern Connecticut State University studentpursuing a Masters of Science degree in library and information science, was doing research for a paper online when she stumbled upon the news of Edith Wheeler Memorial Librarys reopening.

Ive been waiting. Im very excited to be back in the library, she said. I understand why they dont have seating. I used to enjoy being able to sit and have coffee while doing my homework, but Im just glad that it reopened.

Edith Wheeler Memorial Library is located at 733 Monroe Turnpike.

Lorraine Riedel, president of Friends of the Edith Wheeler Memorial Library, was among the steady stream of foot-traffic at the library Tuesday.

I was so excited to be able to come in again and see the books and all the lovely librarians, she said with a smile.

For the most recent updates at Edith Wheeler Memorial Library, visit its website.

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Edith Wheeler Memorial Library is open for in-person browsing - The Monroe Sun