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The Yankee Express

Crawford Library glad to welcome you back

Dec 04, 2020 02:52PM ● By Chuck Tashjian

DUDLEY - The Pearle L. Crawford Memorial Library reopened its doors on November 23 and welcomed the first members of the public back into the building since March.

“The library may look a little different than our patrons remember,” said library director Drusilla Carter, “but we’re excited to welcome people back.”

Some of the changes include signage reminding patrons to wear masks and socially distance while they are in the building, meeting rooms closed, and much of the furniture where patrons are used to settling in to read or browse gone or taped off so it cannot be used.  It’s all part of the library’s effort to find a balance between allowing people back into the building and limiting their possible exposure to the coronavirus. Computers, some of which are out of service to encourage social distancing, are now available for just thirty minutes, and patrons will find disinfecting wipes near them to wipe down the space when they are finished printing or checking email.  

The children’s department also looks a little different, with the many toys and reading nooks now cleared away. Youth Services Librarian Lida Carroll said she is looking forward to having children back in the library, even if they won’t be able to settle in for an afternoon of playtime, and even if story time remains virtual for now. “We’re asking families to come in, find their books, and then take them home to read since we need to limit the number of people in the department at one time,” said Carroll. Signs on the doors limit the space to two families at a time, and the circulation desk in the children’s room will remain closed for now, so families will need to bring their items to the main desk to check out.

The library staff is committed to keeping the library safe, so you’ll see them periodically making the rounds and disinfecting surfaces throughout the building.  The library will close half an hour earlier than usual so the staff can do a thorough cleaning before they leave for the night. And the staff knows that some patrons would still prefer not coming into the building, so they will continue to offer curbside pickup during all of the hours that the library is open.

“We may not be able to provide the full range of programming and services that we used to,” said Carter, “but we’re glad to be able to allow people back into the building again so we can help patrons in person.”  And she reminds the community that they can find many resources including databases and homework help for students, downloadable audio and e-books, and of course the library’s catalog at http://www.crawfordlibrary.org.

For more information on library hours and services, you can visit their website or call 508-949-8021.