Updated 11/16/2020
Effective 11/15, Spokane Public Library is suspending in-person browsing/Grab-N-Go access due to the surge in Covid-19 numbers. Customers may pick up materials by scheduling a Curbside Pickup. Computer Access is also available by 30-minute appointments. Read more about our COVID-19 response here.
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Starting Wednesday, November 4, Spokane Public Library will allow holds pickup and brief browsing through a new Grab-N-Go appointment model. Appointments for Grab-N-Go can be made at spokanelibrary.org/grab-n-go. Customers who are notified by email that their holds are available will be able to choose between booking a Grab-N-Go appointment or a Curbside Pickup appointment to retrieve their holds. Customers who prefer to browse, without placing a hold, can also book a time for a Grab-N-Go appointment.
“With safety protocols in place and the support of the Spokane Regional Health District and the Governor’s office, we are confident that we can expand services on a limited basis while keeping both our staff and community healthy and safe,” said Library Executive Director, Andrew Chanse. ”We know Spokane loves it’s libraries and we are eager to welcome the public safely back to our facilities. We trust our customers to wear a mask and maintain social distance so that everyone can resume access to in-person library resources.”
Customers will be entering the building for the first time since March 13. “There will be some obvious visible changes to the library due to Covid-19,” said Chanse. “For instance, we have installed plexiglass around staff areas and removed all seating to discourage customers from lingering.”
Customers using the Grab-N-Go model will be able to pick up their holds, browse, and check out materials using the self-check kiosks or by downloading the Spokane Public Library app and using the Self-Service Checkout function to scan and checkout items on their smartphone. Grab-N-Go access should require little to no customer/staff interaction.
As with all public places, face masks and a minimum 6 feet of social distance are mandatory. Face masks are required for anyone 5 years of age or older and masks must be worn properly, covering both the nose and mouth. The library will provide a face mask for anyone who arrives without one. Customers who would prefer not to wear a face mask can utilize Curbside Pickup. Hand sanitizing stations are available at the main entrance and all exits.
Initially, only a few appointments per hour will be allowed and we will slowly add capacity over the next month, eventually reaching 25% of allotted capacity. Library staff will be stationed at the door and will monitor building occupancy and mask compliance. Returned materials should be placed in the external materials return box and not handed directly to staff. All returned items will be quarantined for a minimum of 3 days following return before being handled by staff.
Computer access is also available and is limited to one 30-minute session per person per day. Customers are required to have a reservation for computer access. Reservations can be made by calling the library at 509-444-5300 or booked online at spokanelibrary.org/computer-reservation.
~ Amanda
Tags: COVID-19, Grab-N-Go