PCPL reopening plans move forward

Monday, June 29, 2020

With Kayla Flegal leading her first session as its president, the Putnam County Public Library’s board of trustees heard how the library is continuing to move forward with its reopening plan last Wednesday evening.

In his monthly report to the board, Director Matt McClelland first stated that staff were excited to be back in the building. He also related that feedback on the library’s current services, which include limited assistance in the lobby and curbside delivery, had been “overwhelmingly” positive.

While only some patrons have not worn a face mask, McClelland said that the circulation desk had nonetheless offered ones to those without them. He added that staff have been allowed to wear face shields, which he believed seemed to offer better protection.

McClelland said the library could be ready to move into Phase 3 of its reopening plan by July 4. This is the same day when Indiana’s Back on Track Plan is to transition into Stage 5, in which all statewide closing restrictions and limits are to be lifted.

In Phase 3, access will be expanded even more. However, McClelland emphasized that physical distancing would still be maintained to better ensure the safety of staff and patrons. He also said that library materials received would continue to go through a 72-hour quarantine in a designated room.

McClelland said the library could have a soft reopening prior to the July 4 to sort of ease PCPL back into a more open routine. As such, the board could certainly resume full in-person meetings in the Kiwanis Room. The board also briefly considered the prospect of recording the next meeting for patrons not wishing to attend.

McClelland also suggested that the COVID-19 restrictions have highlighted a need to expand e-services and online programs in the future. This is something he hopes will be considered more as things open up.

In other business:

• The board approved a resolution to update Flegal, McClelland and Board Secretary Shannon Green as authorized signatures on documents.

• Treasurer Lisa Barker related that more than 50 percent of the library’s overall budget was remaining.

Vice President Tona Gardner and Board member Jamie Nees were absent from the meeting.

The next regular meeting of the Library board is tentatively scheduled to take place on Wednesday, July 23 at 7 p.m. in the Kiwanis Room at the library.

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