Update: Extension of library closures & working from home

All Staff:

I hope that you are all well and practicing social distancing as much as possible.  I’m writing with an update on FCPL’s status in light of the COVID-19 situation.

FCPL will be closed to the public through March 31, with a tentative reopening on Wednesday, April 1.  This date was selected to be consistent with the “15 Days to Slow the Spread” promoted by the White House on Monday and Governor Kemp’s announcement that all public schools would be closed through March 31.  We will announce this extended closure to the public later today.

Information is changing hourly, so I cannot predict at this point whether we will remain closed after March 31.  We do not know when programs will resume.  Obviously we can’t do programs while closed, but we could be open and not offer programs.  We are keenly aware that Spring Break (week of April 6^th) is typically a banner week for programming. We will continue to monitor CDC and other recommendations and will prioritize the safety of staff and patrons in making decisions.

Most supervisory staff are currently working on site and most non-supervisory staff are on administrative leave.  Now that we know for certain that this is not a short-term situation, we are developing plans for hourly staff to begin working at home beginning next week.  To ensure social distancing, we will limit the number of additional staff to be in the buildings, but select positions will be asked to return to work on-site. 

The logistics of working off-site and the specific work performed will vary by position.  Some work activities will transfer easily to working at home, but those that typically require being on site and working with patrons will be more challenging.  You will receive additional details from your supervisor. 

Please see the Q & A below for additional information.

Will employees be required to work the exact number of hours for which they are regularly scheduled?

No.  Supervisors will work with staff to determine what can reasonably be done from home on a daily basis.

Will employees record the hours they work on timesheets (or some other way)? 

Yes, but we don’t know how this will work yet.  Nikki will provide additional information prior to next Monday. 

How do I access my work emails?

All employees will have access to their work email during this time.  IT will provide instructions prior to next Monday.

I do not have internet access and/or a home computer.  How can I work from home?

We will work with you to provide technology or develop workarounds for you.  Please discuss this with your supervisor.

I prefer to work at my branch/HQ.  Can I go to work on-site? 

This may be allowed, assuming social distancing can still be maintained in your work area.  Please discuss this with your supervisor.

I do not want to work from home or on-site.  What are my options?

If you have paid leave benefits, you would need to take paid leave.  If you do not have leave benefits (staff working fewer than 20 hours/week), the time would be unpaid.

I have children at home and might not be as productive as I am at work.  Is this a problem?

No, we recognize that everyone is facing challenges right now.

Will I be expected to work during specific hours or to be available to answer phone calls/emails during specific times?

At this point we do not expect to set specific hours or availability expectations.  This could change in the future. 

 

Please let us know of any additional questions that you may have.  This is uncharted territory for all of us.  We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to promote the safety of staff and patrons while continuing to ensure that the libraries are prepared for the weeks and months following our reopening.