Author: Ron Eifert
Library returns to normal hours of operation
Even though virus numbers haven’t declined like we had hoped, we are still proceeding with resuming full library hours. Beginning Monday, June 1, the library will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. The library will be closed on Sundays during the summer months.
We ask that library visitors practice social distancing in the library. We are continuing to reduce seating in the reference area; limit the number of available computers; and keep the reading room closed.
Our annual Summer Reading Program is still a work in progress. We WILL have summer reading; we are still trying to decide the scheduling of programming, and what form programming will take.
Passport acceptance will remain unavailable until we are given the go-ahead from the State Department to resume accepting passport applications.
Library Reopening with Limited Hours, Services
We are open for limited hours beginning Thursday, May 21. Library hours will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. We will be closed for Memorial Day on Monday, May 25.
Just a few reminders/requests/guidelines for your library visit:
1. For everyone’s comfort, please observe social distancing (six feet apart throughout the library). Footprints at the circulation desk mark a six-foot distance while waiting for checkouts. Every other computer is inaccessible to help with this process, and half of the seating in the reference area has been removed.
2. Masks are encouraged, but not required.
3. Maximum occupancy is 33 people at any given time.
4. All business in the library (browsing, computer work, reading) is limited to one hour.
5. The reading room is closed for the next two weeks, because of the difficulty of sanitizing newspapers and magazines between uses.
6. Passport processing and photographs will not resume until July 1 or later, due to the fact that the Department of State is only processing emergency, in-person applications at this time.
7. Please return all library materials to the outside book return, or to our book return on the circulation counter. For the safety of our workers, they are not handling returned materials over the counter.
We realize that we are being extra-cautious, but our Board of Trustees isn’t willing to gamble with the safety of our staff or patrons. If all goes well with library operations and infection numbers, we plan to resume full hours of operations on Monday, June 1.
Library timeline for reopening established
At the library’s Board of Trustees meeting on Monday, May 4, the following timetable was approved for a gradual reopening of the library. All dates are tentative and subject to change.
May 5, 2020 — The library will resume curbside pickup service. Hours of service will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday. Our previous method of no-contact delivery will be observed. Patrons can place holds through their library accounts, or call us at 471-4140 to request specific books. Patrons are asked to call us again from the parking lot so that we can pass materials through the window to the left of the front doors and place them on the bench. We ask that all returned items be placed in the outside book return for daily retrieval and quarantined for 48-72 hours. Our virtual storytimes will continue. Library staff will resume book talks for adult books and begin book talks for young adult books.
May 21, 2020 — Our tentative plan is to reopen to the public with shortened hours – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and limited services. A limited number of public access computers will be available; half of the computers will be taken out of service to promote social distancing. Half of the seating in the reference area and reading room will be removed to promote social distancing. We plan to have Plexiglas barriers in place to protect staff and patrons at the circulation desk. All books returned over the counter and through the book return will continue to be quarantined for minimum of 48 hours until threat of coronavirus is deemed to have passed. The library’s community rooms will not be available for public use during this time. No face-to-face programming will be offering, but virtual programming will continue.
June 1, 2020 — The tentative plan is to resume regular hours on Monday, June 1. We will continue to practice distancing for computers and in the reference area. Quarantining of books will continue as long as the threat of spreading the corona virus remains a concern. Use of McAmis Community Room will be allowed for small groups only as long as it is not in use for library activities.
TIMELINE FOR SPECIAL EVENTS
Annual Used Book Sale
The annual used book sale will be postponed until late summer. We are committed to having the book sale, but current social distancing rules are not conducive to a fun, successful sale.
Summer Reading Program
The timeline and structure of our Summer Reading Program is still evolving. We are committed to bringing summer reading programming to the children of our community in a fun, safe manner, in whatever form that may take.
Library closing extended
Following the actions of our local school district, as well as other libraries across Missouri, the Sikeston Public Library will remain closed indefinitely.
In compliance with the city and county stay-at-home order, we have discontinued curbside pickup of library materials.
The library’s Annual Used Book Sale has been postponed–definitely not cancelled! We hope to announce new dates for the sale to take place in May or early June.
We encourage you to follow us on Facebook to stay updated on the latest happenings with the library.
Bears sighted at the Library!!!
Library temporarily closed
The Sikeston Public Library has made the difficult decision to close to the public, effective Wednesday, March 18 through Sunday, April 5. This is based on the actions of our local school district, as well as other libraries across Missouri.
We will be offering curbside service for library materials. If you have an existing hold that it ready, or have other titles that you would like to check out, call us at 471-4140. For your convenience, you can browse the library’s catalog at sikeston.missourievergreen.org
We are going to attempt virtual storytimes and online book talks.
We encourage you to follow us on Facebook to stay updated on the latest happenings with the library.
AARP Tax Aide Program Suspended
March Family Night for K-3 set for March 9
How would YOU catch a leprechaun??? Join us for Family Night and find out!
Family Night for children in kindergarten through third grade will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, March 9 in the Draughon Room (lower level of the library).
We will be reading the stories Pete the Cat: The Great Leprechaun Chase and How to Catch a Leprechaun. Following that, we will have some snacks and crafts, and see what happens next!
Preschool Family Night to be Held on March 2
Wear your green and join us for an early St. Patrick’s celebration!
Our March Family Night for ages 2-5 will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, March 2 in the Draughon Room (lower level of the library).
We will read Ten Little Leprechauns and The Night before Saint Patrick’s Day,
make some colorful crafts, sing and dance and eat and who knows what else!
Due to limited space, reservations are required. To make your reservation, either fill out the form below or call us at 471-4140.