By: 1808Delaware; Delaware County District Library
Over the last three-plus months, the Delaware County District Library (DCDL) has gone through several stages of closure and reopening.
As with other libraries in Ohio, all branches closed in mid March, at which time all programs were cancelled. In late May, a step forward was made with the launch of curbside and drive-up services, which we covered in this post.
Continuing changes in state guidelines combined with a leveling off of infection statewide has given the DCDL the opportunity to take the next major step. On Wednesday, Library Director George Needham sent out the following release, which profiles changes in a number of services:
“The Delaware County District Library is ready to announce the next phase in our steps for reopening to our public. Thank you for being patient with us during this process. We’re working hard to expand our menu of services, keeping the safety of our staff and patrons at the forefront of our plans.
Expanded Curbside/Drive-Up Hours
Beginning June 29 at all DCDL locations, curbside and drive-up window hours of operation will expand. The new curbside/drive-up hours at all locations will be:
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: 9 AM – 5 PM (Note – Ostrander Branch Library will remain closed on Mondays)
- Tuesday, Thursday: 11 AM – 7 PM
Walkthrough Reopening
As part of our phased reopening, we’re also introducing walkthrough browsing hours and limited public computer use. While we wait for additional protective equipment, we’ll stagger the introduction of these services.
Walkthrough browsing means that you can still briefly browse our collection to find your favorite books, magazines, games and DVDs. However, no seating, toys, study rooms or other attractions that may have encouraged you to linger or form gatherings in the library prior to the pandemic will be available.
This will be open to patrons during the same hours as the extended curbside services. Branches will open their doors:
- June 29: Delaware Main Library, 84 E Winter St., Delaware
- July 6: Orange Branch Library, 7171 Gooding Blvd., Delaware
- July 6: Powell Branch Library, 460 S Liberty St., Powell
- July 7: Ostrander Branch Library, 75 N Fourth St., Ostrander
Computer Services
We know that the closure of our libraries and other businesses has disproportionately affected communities where internet and computer access is unavailable or extremely limited. I am happy to announce today that within our walkthrough browsing reopening phase, we are also opening our public computers for limited use.
- Begins in conjunction with each branch’s walkthrough browsing start date
- Open Monday through Saturday: 1 PM – 5 PM (See above for Ostrander)
- Sessions will be limited to 50 minutes
- Advanced reservations will be required, call beginning June 29
- More details will be made available as we approach our opening date
Summer Reading Club
Finally, though things look a little different, I wanted to take this opportunity to remind you that our Summer Reading Club is more important than ever this year. Reading helps students keep their skills sharp over the summer, and DCDL offers a fun component for adult readers, too.
- Track your reading progress with our log or on your own
- Attend one of our many virtual events each week
- Stop by to collect your prizes – they’ll be available as each branch reopens for in-person browsing
More Than Curbside
If you’re not ready to come in to see us yet, that’s ok. We’re still here to serve you in a variety of ways and our curbside service will remain in place as long as there is demand. Give us a call, email or online chat to:
- Place item requests
- Receive help with our digital collection
- Hear reading recommendations
- Search the internet or research resources
- Print documents
Check our website for even more details on our reopening phases and our pledge to keep you and your families safe.”
