Williamsburg Regional Library is OPEN!
Williamsburg Regional Library Opens!
Williamsburg Regional Library is now open as part of its phased reopening plan. As library buildings reopen their doors, there will be new guidelines in place for users (for a full list of how the library is operating visit the WRL online here or keep reading!:
Hours:
WRL will be operating with occupancy limitations and reduced hours in this initial reopening period.
Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Thursday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Closed on Sunday
“The library staff is looking forward to welcoming everyone back into the library buildings. Although the library will open gradually by limiting the number of people in the buildings, promoting social distancing, and avoiding social gatherings, the public will find some exciting improvements when they return,” said library director Betsy Fowler. “WRL will be launching new self-help features and a streamlined self-checkout system and will continue to offer recent service innovations including curbside pick-up of holds, library mobile wifi hotspots, virtual library programming, and online library card applications. The Williamsburg Library building also benefited from some sprucing up when the spaces were being rearranged for social distancing. We are excited about the updated look, the new upgrades, and seeing everyone very soon.”
This library is delaying the full opening of the Kiwanis Kids Idea Studio at this time. Fowler notes, “Families will be able to enjoy the beautiful new space and access the collections in the new Kiwanis Kids Idea Studio children’s area at the James City County Library. The exciting interactive learning stations and toys that are an intrinsic part of the new space will be opening at a future date to ensure social distancing requirements are observed. The library will schedule the grand opening celebration when all of the hands-on learning activities are available and can be safely enjoyed.”
Additional changes to services and procedures to reduce contact between users and staff and promote social distancing procedures include:
Entrances
To enable easier monitoring of occupancy limits at the Williamsburg Library, the Scotland St. and Theatre entrances will be closed and users are asked to use the main entrance on City Square.
Introducing A New Way to Check Out
WRL’s new self-check out system is easy and convenient. Users can simply scan their library card then place a stack of items on the pad to be checked out. No need to scan each item individually, as this new system can register many items at once. Self-check out saves time, and minimizes WRL staff contact with items, making our library more efficient and hygienic.
Self-Pickup of Holds
Due to the continued need to minimize WRL staff contact with library materials, the library is introducing self-pickup of materials placed on hold. Just head to the designated hold pickup area and locate your items and then check them out through our new self-check out system.
Play Areas
Due to the tactile nature of our children’s play areas, WRL has made the decision to keep those areas of the library closed for now in order to limit the spread of germs via surfaces. All toys have been removed, and the library asks that users refrain from touching any fixed play elements that remain in place.
Sanitation Efforts
Hand sanitizer will be available at library entrances and users are encouraged to use that and to wash hands frequently. The library has intensified cleaning of the library buildings and will continue to quarantine returned items for 3-5 days. Returned items may appear on user’s account for up to 5 days after they are returned while they are quarantined prior to being checked in.
Computers
In accordance with social distancing guidelines, the library has rearranged computer stations in order to give each remaining station a minimum buffer of six feet on all sides. WRL is now making laptops available for use within the library. Users can check out a laptop at the reference desk at either library location.
Seating and Study Tables
Users will notice that seating areas and study tables have been rearranged to comply with social distancing guidelines. The library asks that users please always maintain at least 6’ of space from other users.
Meeting Rooms
Please note that the library is not currently taking meeting room reservations, and does not yet have a date by which we anticipate resuming that operation. WRL thanks users for their patience as we iron out how best to make library spaces available in a way that is responsible and prioritizes community health and safety.
Programs
Though the library buildings are reopening, WRL has made the decision not to resume in-person library programming at this time. We will be continuing to offer a robust line-up of virtual programs, a full schedule of which can be found at www.wrl.org/events.
Material Donations
Because WRL’s Friends volunteers are not yet ready to resume the excellent work they do in running the Book Nooks, the library is currently unable to accept material donations. Please check the library website (www.wrl.org) for more information about reopening of our Book Nooks and accepting donations.
WRL To-Go
WRL’s touchless curbside pickup service, WRL To-Go, will continue to be offered even after library buildings reopen. Simply place the items you want on hold and once they are available we will contact you about making an appointment to retrieve them from the library building of your choice.
For more information about how this system works, head to www.wrl.org/wrl-to-go. All of these plans are fluid based on information from local, state, and national health and government officials. For the most up to date information about reopening, please go to the library website, www.wrl.org.
Williamsburg Regional Library
7770 Croaker Rd
Williamsburg, Virginia 23188
757.259.4040
www.wrl.org
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