First Steps
Like flowers signaling spring, libraries across Butler County are slowly reopening for in-person visits.
Although operations are subject to change, many are viewing the move as a sign of better times ahead.
The Mars library reopened Wednesday after months of contactless services. Staff members are inviting visitors to enjoy short, in-person trips.Library director Caitlyn Boland said library staff is looking forward to the chance to once again see people face-to-face.“We work in a library because we really enjoy helping people,” Boland said. “It's been such a struggle.”The library closed to in-person visits and activities around Thanksgiving.Most of the library's operations since last fall have been through contactless encounters, such as book pickups and take-and-make craft projects.But while these services are important for staying in touch with the community during the pandemic, Boland said librarians thrive on being able to talk directly to a patron and assist as needed.“We are always excited to be able to have that kind of experience,” Boland said.Because of pandemic concerns, the library continues offering scheduled book pickups. Library computers will be accessible by appointment.There are no in-person programs at this time, according to Boland. Library staff is also discouraging people from meeting at the library for gatherings.
The Butler library plans to kick off March with open doors, according to assistant director Peter Bess. The library will be open to visitors starting at 10 a.m. Monday morning.“We're just super excited that patrons who love to browse the shelves will be able to do that again,” Bess said.The library is asking visitors to limit their browsing to 15 or 20 minutes, if possible.This will allow the library to assist a variety of patrons and stay within capacity limitations.There will also be four computers available for public use, according to Bess. Each computer is spaced for social distancing and will be available for one-hour sessions.Bess asked those who know they'll be visiting the library to use a computer to call to schedule a session ahead of time.Walk-in use will be permitted if computers are open and aren't scheduled to be used.Contactless and virtual services are still being offered. Bess said the library won't utilize meeting or reading spaces to avoid attracting gatherings.
The Cranberry library returned to in-person visits last Thursday, according to director Leslie Pallotta.“We are excited to see people back,” Pallotta said. “It is slow, which we anticipated.”The public can access computers on a first-come, first-served basis. Pallotta said sessions are limited to 45 minutes.Seating and study rooms are not available to visitors at the moment. The staff is offering simple advice when it comes to browsing shelves, according to Pallotta.“Come in, get your stuff, go home and enjoy it,” Pallotta said.The library's new Makerspace — dubbed The Forge — is “holding steady,” according to Pallotta.The area, which is designed to become a community workshop within the library, is hands-on and hasn't been able to open to the public, although it is complete.While awaiting the day when the Makerspace can open, Pallotta said staff facility orientations are taking place.She hopes the community will be able to use The Forge this year, although plans depend on the pandemic.“Slowly but surely,” Pallotta said.
Prospect and Slippery Rock community libraries have been open to in-person visits, according to their directors.“We have been open since July 6,” said Karen Pierce, director of Slippery Rock Community Library. “We're small enough that it's easy to handle.”Bridget Sereday, director of Prospect Community Library, said in-person operations started again Jan. 19.“We've had a great response,” Sereday said.Prospect has two computers open for walk-in use.Internet was the No. 1 reason for staying open in Slippery Rock, according to Pierce.“Our community really needed the access to the computers,” Pierce said.The Slippery Rock library has three desktops and four laptops that can be used at any given time. Pierce said they're cleaned between use to ensure safety.Both libraries still offer contactless services. Those visiting are asked to limit their time to avoid exceeding capacity limits.
South Butler Community Library, Evans City Public Library and North Trails Public Library are offering contactless services at this time, according to their websites and staff.The Zelienople Area Public Library website says the library is open for browsing and computer use, although curbside pickup is employed for checking out items.Visitors to all libraries will be asked to wear their masks and practice social distancing.Residents with questions should visit the county library system website, www.bcfls.org/libraries, for information on how to contact their local library.Hours are listed on each library's website.
