Further Steps in the Library’s Return to Its Pre-Pandemic State

Submitted by Anna Lyle and Stephen Kight

We are announcing additional changes in three areas as we continue our transition to returning the library to its pre-pandemic state.  Thank you to the many staff who provided input to us and other supervisors about these protocols.  Your input is valued and appreciated.

The recent staff survey shows that 98 of the 114 staff members who answered the question about vaccine status (86%) are either fully vaccinated or are in the process of becoming fully vaccinated. 

Mask Requirement for Staff:

Effectively immediately, staff may begin taking a few specific steps as we look toward easing the mask requirement for staff:

·         Staff may choose to not wear a mask when alone in a shared space in the staff area, such as in a workroom, or when working alone in a part of the public area before the library opens.  They should put on a mask when other staff enter the area, unless the entering staff specifically say that they don’t need to. 

·         Staff participating in meetings may choose to not wear a mask, as long as every staff member in the meeting expresses their comfort with masks not being worn.

·         Staff who have offices may begin keeping their doors open while unmasked.  They should put on a mask when other staff enter the office, unless the entering staff specifically say that they don’t need to.

·         Masks will be optional for staff as they represent the library in outdoor settings, either on library property or in the community.  Staff should put on a mask if requested by a patron they are assisting.

·         Communication and courtesy between staff members is key to relaxing the mask requirement.  Please do not make assumptions about co-workers’ comfort levels.  Although staff may choose to share their vaccination status with co-workers and supervisors, they are not expected or required to do so. 

Effective Tuesday, June 1, the following guidelines will be in place:

·         Masks will be optional for staff in all staff areas of the library. 

·         Masks will be optional for staff in public areas of the library, but staff should put on a mask if requested by a patron they are assisting. 

·         Masks or face shields should continue to be worn by staff presenting indoor library programs.  Masks will be optional for patrons participating in programs, but masks will be available for those who choose to wear them.

Masks will continue to be provided at entrances and at Ask Us Desks for patrons who would like them.

Temperature Checks:

Effectively immediately, we will stop daily temperature checks for all staff.  Staff will no longer need to sign in as they enter the building to certify temperature status.

Cleaning:

Effectively immediately, the library will stop enhanced cleaning procedures for the purpose of stopping the spread of COVID-19 through surface transmission.  However, as always, supervisors may require that cleaning be done to specific areas as needed.

What Is Staying the Same:

·         Social distancing should continue to be followed in both public areas and staff areas of the library.

·         Plexiglas will remain in place for the foreseeable future.

·         FCPL’s Contagious Symptoms and Contagious Condition policy and related protocols remain in effect.

·        We want to hear from staff and patrons as we continue our transition to our pre-pandemic state.