Three libraries in Walker County and another in Dade County are the first libraries in Georgia to reopen their doors after being closed for nearly two months due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Lecia Eubanks, director of the Cherokee Regional Library System, said the four libraries on Wednesday began opening on a staggered schedule that will include one hour dedicated to residents who are the most vulnerable and at-risk for COVID-19.
Eubanks said her staff of 25 has been preparing to reopen since the libraries first closed in March. She said because the library system has such a small staff that works in four libraries, the staggered schedule will allow the staff to keep a safe distance from visitors and allow for proper sanitation between visits.
Between giving civic and community groups a place to meet for free and the public a place to get information and use most of the amenities for free, Eubanks said a local library is still key to a community's success and outreach.
Libraries extending hours with additional funding
Walker County Commissioner Shannon Whitfield announced Wednesday once the libraries in Walker County are able to fully open, all three will extend their hours.The Chickamauga and Rossville libraries will increase operations to 40 hours a week, giving the public another day of access.The Shaw History Room in the LaFayette library has been open only two days a week since 2012. It will soon expand to six days a week.The extensions are thanks to an additional $44,000 a year to the library system.
"For some folks, we're the only place where they have internet access," Eubanks said. "That access is so important."
The four libraries in Chickamauga, LaFayette, Rossville and Trenton will open three days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Each library will be open on the following days:
- Chickamauga: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
- LaFayette: Monday, Wednesday and Friday
- Rossville: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
- Trenton: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
The first hour at each library will be reserved for people who are considered at risk for contracting COVID-19. Eubanks said the libraries are using the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention definition of at-risk based on age, underlying health conditions and other factors.
Eubanks said within the library system there are 27,889 card holders. Before the libraries were forced to close, each branch saw an average of 30 to 35 people every hour. That's why it was so important for the branches to slowly open up to the public while protecting them.
Linda McRae and her three stepsons, 11-year-old Ethan, 9-year-old Evan and 6-year-old Eli all visited the LaFayette branch Wednesday morning to check out new books.
"The boys have gone through all the books in the house several times," McRae said. "We couldn't wait to go. Evan kept saying he wanted to be the first in line."
McRae said the family usually goes to the library every other weekend to check out a box of books. She said the kids love to take advantage of the summer programs, and she appreciates all the hard work the library does to offer the community things to do.
"It's great for everyone who wants to read because they have an infinite amount of books," said Evan, who prefers holding an actual book over an e-reader.
"We're like a family for people who are regulars," said Eubanks, the library director. "We wanted to be open for them and also protect them at the same time. We worked hard to find a way to do that."
Sneeze guards were installed at the circulation desks, and signage has been posted around every building that guides visitors down aisles and reminds them to stay 6 feet apart at all times.
Staff members will wear masks at all times, and visitors are strongly encouraged to do the same.
In Tennessee, staff at the Cleveland Bradley County Public Library reported to work Monday to start the reopening process.
The Cleveland Daily Banner reported phases two and three of the reopening process will involve curbside pickup and the opening of the library's doors to the public. A date to reopen the library has not been announced. Even when it opens, the paper reports people will not be allowed to browse the shelves but will have to browse using a tablet until further restrictions are lifted.
The Montgomery County Library in Clarksville opened Monday but limited visitors to checkout, returns and new library cards only.
The Chattanooga Public Library is still closed and hasn't announced a plan to open.
At Cherokee, Eubanks said the staff will sanitize keyboards and other surfaces every hour. A limited number of computers will be available at each library so keyboards can be sanitized.
Regular group programs at each library will still be on hold. Curbside pickup is still available for people who would rather not visit the library.
The library system will evaluate operations every two weeks before opening back up to normal hours. Members are asked to put holds on books through the PINES app and call the library ahead of time before picking up materials.
Contact Patrick Filbin at pfilbin@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6476. Follow him on Twitter @PatrickFilbin.
Staff photo by Tim Barber/ Rossville Library personnel help patrons as the Walker County library opens for business on Wednesday, May 6, 2020.