Coming soon: Mask requirement and changes to Food and Drink Policy

As discussed in last week’s Q & A, the Governor’s 8/15/2020 executive order allows government entities to require face masks/coverings.  (Previous orders did not allow mask mandates by Georgia governments.  FCPL is a government entity, closely linked with but separate from Forsyth County Government.)  At the recommendation of members of the Leadership Team and in consultation with the Library Board, I have decided to implement a mask requirement for patrons beginning Thursday, September 3^rd.  This requirement will include children ages 5 and older.

Mask requirements are controversial and this step will likely please many patrons and offend others.  But I am confident that it is the right step at this time.  I know that many staff feel strongly that patrons should be required to wear masks and I appreciate your understanding as we have navigated this situation.  Please be on the lookout for a blog post next week that includes pointers for talking with patrons who may be opposed to our new requirement.  We will make exceptions for patrons who have difficulty donning or removing a mask without assistance, patrons with religious objections, and patrons with medical reasons for not wearing a mask.

In order to ensure that patrons do not have a reason to remove masks while in the libraries, we are making a temporary change to our Food and Drink policy.  Effective September 3^rd, patrons will not be allowed to consume food or drinks in the libraries.

We will announce these changes via our blog and other social media outlets on Monday, August 31^st.  We will pair the announcement with promotion of the Georgia Safety Promise, which is “a statewide campaign from the Governor’s Office and the Georgia Department of Health that encourages businesses and the public to agree to simple, but critical, measures that will keep Georgians safe from COVID-19, minimize spread of the virus, and keep Georgia open for business.”

Between now and September 3^rd, we will replace signage related to masks and food/drink.  We will also remove or limit access to the vending machines.

As always, if you have questions, please do not hesitate to ask.