Diana Friend
Communications and Marketing Director
785-554-5334 (cell) | 785-580-4486 (office)
dfriend@tscpl.org |
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Library Plans Phased Reopening
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(TOPEKA) The Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library’s (TSCPL) plan for a phased reopening was agreed to at a special meeting of the Board of Trustees on May 6, 2020. The plan includes proposed dates for reintroduction of access to physical collections, the building, computers and other library services, and is in accordance with the Shawnee County Health Department (SCHD) recommendations.
Since March 16, when the library closed its physical facilities, staff have been focused on ramping up online access to collections, services and programs. Staff have been working remotely to provide library services digitally at tscpl.org and remote WiFi services in the community. Reference and information services via chat, email and phone are operating seven days a week. Virtual job search help, storytimes, book discussions, community conversations and computer classes are available through Facebook, Twitter or Zoom online meetings.
TSCPL management has spent significant time planning for the library’s reopening and reintroduction of physical services, collections and programs, including the implementation of COVID-19 safety procedures and restrictions. The COVID-19 virus can live for hours to days on surfaces like books and other library materials. Libraries nationwide are awaiting the results of a research study sponsored by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and conducted by the Columbus Metropolitan Library and the Batelle Research Institute to confirm how long books and other materials like DVDs should be quarantined before making them available for checkout. It is anticipated those results should be available within the next month. On May 26, 2020, the library will begin curbside pickup by request and will be quarantining books and other materials for 72 hours to prevent the live virus from being transmitted to library customers.
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TSCPL Reopening At-A-Glance
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Phase 1 – Begins May 18, 2020
- Book Returns are Open
- Library is Closed to the Public
- Engroff's Eats Food Truck in Library Parking Lot, schedule to be announced on Millennium Cafe page
- No late fees on any items checked out in 2020
Phase 2 – Begins May 26, 2020
- Curbside Pickup Begins – Books (and DVDs) are back! Pickup reserved items from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and Noon - 6 p.m. on Sunday
- Library is Closed to the Public
Phase 3 – Begins No Later than June 15, 2020
- Curbside Pickup Continues
- Library is Open with Limited Services and Hours: Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sunday Noon - 6 p.m.
- Millennium Café offers “Meals on the Go” take home service
The focus of the library will be providing access to public computers, Wi-Fi and library collections. Social distancing will be enforced, and everyone will be required to wear a mask in the library (if visitors don’t have one, disposable masks will be available). A maximum of 225 customers will be allowed in the library at a time.
Phase 4-7 – To Be Determined
- These phases will implement a gradual return to full service and hours and will be based on the Shawnee County Reopen Plan recommendations
Subject to Change
“The library is thinking of this proposed timeline as being on a dial," library CEO Gina Millsap said. "We may move the dial forward to offer more hours and services, but we may also move it back to ensure that we are following the most current recommendations from local health officials.”
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