NEWS

Library still in pause mode for time being

Posted 12/31/20

The Warwick Public Library will remain open on a restricted basis through next week and possibly longer, director Jana Stephen said Wednesady. The library implemented a system of filling boom requests and enabling people access to computers by

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

E-mail
Password
Log in
NEWS

Library still in pause mode for time being

Posted

The Warwick Public Library will remain open on a restricted basis through next week and possibly longer, director Jana Stephen said Wednesady.

The library implemented a system of filling boom requests and enabling people access to computers by reservation when Governor Gina Raimondo called for a “pause” in the reopening because of a surge in COVID-19 cases in November. Although Raimondo lifted the pause before Christmas, Stevenson said the library wasn’t prepared to resume pre-pause operations.

She recognizes it hasn’t been easy for many of the library’s regulars.

“What’s most difficult is browsing,” she said. There being no browsing, she explained, people are missing the opportunity to see what new books are out and leafing through them. She added people can phone in requests and the books will be placed on hold for pickup.

Stevenson remains concerned over COVID-19 and what reopening the library on a greater scale could mean in spreading the infection. She is anxious to learn what the state will see in the number of infections following Christmas and how the governor responds.

She said three members of the library staff have had the virus and have recovered and are back at work. Yet staffing remains an issue as some are on quarantine and the library is working on a pod system. Under the system, employees stay in the pod to which they are assigned. As the pods trade days, if an employee tests positive, then the alternate pod can fill in until employees are tested.

“The biggest issue is having staff here,” she said.

The library is closed today and Friday through the weekend.

library

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here