Library still connects patrons with circulation materials

PLATTSBURGH | Pick-up service has been provided by the Plattsburgh Public Library (PPL) since Weds., July 1, despite operating with limited staff. Safety is the top priority, said Library Director Anne de la Chapelle, as the independent but city-affiliated facility, seeks to follow state, CDC, and national public library guidance throughout its reopening process. GRADUAL PLANS, STAFF RETURN SOON The facility remains closed to the public, and many staff is still furloughed until August, as a result of blanketed city budget cuts in response to the pandemic, including an item line for the library, with staffing determinations made by the associated unions. Now, PPL is undergoing a slow re-opening in its own six phases, which began on Monday, June 8 with de la Chapelle and the library's administrative assistant working from the building, according to the Plattsburgh Public Library's official reopening plan. The plan was last updated on Thurs., June 18, and could change along with state and CDC guidelines. In a recent press release, de la Chapelle said that "while our reopening may be slow, we are following best practices from libraries across the state." Additional staff are anticipated to return on a limited basis beginning Monday, Aug. 3. Operations somewhat resembling those prior to March's closures won't begin until October, when patrons will be allowed to enter the facility for the sole purpose of browsing the collection. "It is easier to relax restrictions as we move forward than to attempt to reinstate or tighten restrictions in the middle of this crisis," reads the plan. A full return to operations is slated for Thursday, Nov. 12. SERVING PATRONS FROM A DISTANCE In November, the perks libraries have become known for will hopefully return, such as in-person educational programming, volunteer opportunities, meeting spaces and access to public computers. In the meantime, staff will explore alternative ways to deliver materials to patrons, according to the reopening plan, including the recently-available curbside pick-up service. Resources are also available at the library's official website. Items may be requested traditionally through the catalog system, accessible through plattsburghlib.org, as well as by phone at 518-563-0921 or email at pplinfo@cityofplattsburgh-ny.gov. Once a patron's items are ready, they will be contacted by a staff member regarding a pick-up time. Staff request that patrons wear masks and limit the number of persons present in the vestibule, where pick-up will take place, at a given time between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., Monday through Friday. Federal tax forms are also available, and circulation materials include those through the Clinton-Essex-Franklin (CEF) Library System, which supplements and supports libraries throughout the tri-county area. Items may be returned via the book drop — no late fees will be incurred at this time.

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Library still connects patrons with circulation materials

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