Paula, Steve, Holly, Tracy and Sarah met on Wednesday to discuss this issue. While we want to be welcoming and friendly, we will stress to the public that we have protocols in place as a response to COVID-19. Paula is currently working on four documents to have ready to share with the public on Tuesday, July 21:
- A press release, which will go to our media outlets and the school system
- An email blast to patrons, which will be written in the form of a letter from Anna
- Social media posts
- A new public blog post
We will be emphasizing all the things people will need to know in addition to expanded hours, including the time limit, the fact that we’re limiting numbers of people, that we’re encouraging patrons to wear masks and social distance, and continuing to quarantine materials for at least three days. We’ll say that tutors might need to find alternate locations to meet with students and that current conditions will not make group study conducive.
We do not want to put staff in the position of policing how patrons are using the library, but there may be times when we will have to approach patrons, such as when our numbers are too high to maintain social distancing and/or we have people waiting to get in the building.
What are programming plans for the fall?
August virtual programs are planned and will be a bit lighter than the summer offerings. We are now looking ahead to plans for September and October and will update everyone as programs and schedules are formalized.
Summer Reading Fun registration numbers are at about 45% of what they were last year. Elaine Black of Georgia Public Library Service is looking at registration numbers for libraries nationwide and has found that they are significantly lower across the board. However, in comparison to others, FCPL’s numbers look really good.
Steve commented that it has been an unusual summer but Tracy, Youth and Adult Services staff, Paula, and Angela have done an incredible job of creating and promoting wonderful programs to keep the community engaged. Tracy agreed that we have amazing, creative, and extremely talented people on staff who have adapted quickly.
Are there any updates about the new World Languages collections?
The adult Korean collection is almost ready with 225 of the 250 titles ordered to be delivered to Sharon Forks by the end of the week. Some of the Indian languages are more difficult to get, particularly Telugu and Marathi. Our vendors are experts in the field and are working hard to procure items for these collections, including youth titles.
Has the timing of the $2M State construction grant changed the timeline for the library on Fowler Road?
Yes, we are receiving the funding a year earlier than expected. The sale of the bonds starts the clock in terms of spending deadlines; the bonds are being sold in August 2020. We are in communications with County Finance staff to see if we can get access to SPLOST VIII funding sooner than scheduled. We need both sources to begin construction. We expect to issue a request for proposals for architectural design services in Spring 2021 and will begin the design process later in 2021. We will likely begin construction in 2022 and open in 2023.
Has the timeline for the bookmobile changed?
Yes, but not drastically so. The body is currently in production and scheduled to be completed this week, which is a week behind the previously announced schedule. The next phase is the upfit, in which Summit will customize the bookmobile based on our specifications. That will begin late this week/early next. Once that process begins we will receive weekly updates and photos, which we will share on the blog. Our consultant, Michael Swendrowski, will schedule the inspection of the vehicle for late August/early September. Once he does the inspection and Summit completes the final punch list, the bookmobile should be scheduled for delivery within a week. Joanie, Lorraine and Sarah registered for CDL training and have begun the bookwork required to get their Class B permit. They will complete the in-person requirements, including a pre—flight check and road test, the week of September 14.
Any updates from Human Resources?
HR is skills testing for Accounting Assistant, Information Specialist, and Youth Specialist this week. There was a promising panel of CSA interviews on Tuesday and announcements should be forthcoming.
When is the next Library Board meeting?
The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 20 at 5:30 p.m. at Hampton Park Library.
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