We’ve missed the Morse Institute Library terribly since it closed in the spring to COVID-19 concerns, so you can bet we rushed right in to get a first look at the recently reopened main branch. No matter how many rules we had to follow (and those rules weren’t all that onerous) it didn’t matter. We just wanted to drift through one of our old haunts and remember better days.
The first floor only is open and, as expected, there is no congregating allowed. However, the public computers and copy machines are available, as are the study carrels and other seating. Bathrooms are open. There is no water fountain access. The library is accepting book donations, and the Friends of the Library book sale, to the right as you enter, is on.
There is no official number of patrons who can be in the building at any one time, nor is there a maximum visiting time. Director so and so and the staff are confident that common sense will rule the day. If the place gets so crowded that social distancing cannot be maintained, or a certain patron appears to have settled in for the day, staff will deal with those issues as they come up.
Here are a few pics:
Morse Institute Library lobby. The lobby area was positively buzzing with happiness. Librarians welcomed back patrons by name, and patrons one and all let the staff know how happy they were to be welcomed back into the library.
Library Director Jason Homer said, “We are happy to be welcoming people back into the library. This is a public space, and we want the public to enter. We are working to keep things as safe as possible. By opening incrementally, we can scale up or scale back as need be.”
The library staff has missed patrons, and has worked hard to develop protocols to keep everyone safe. Masks must be worn and social distancing of 6-feet is a must. Movable plexiglass shields have been placed on surfaces between library staff and patrons. Hand sanitizer has been placed throughout the library.
The periodicals room, for now. Librarians have put out about a dozen of the most popular magazines. If patrons would like a different periodical, they can ask the librarians, and they will pull it from the shelves.
Chromebook stations are set up throughout the first floor.
Look beyond the bubblers if you’re thirsty for knowledge.
A selection of children’s materials have been brought up to the first floor.
At the holds area, a sign asks patrons to observe the “1 person at a time” rule.
The Friends of the Morse Institute Library has quarantined all donations. The volunteer-led non-profit organization helps fund museum passes, Speed Reads, large print books, programs for all ages, and more.
It’s nice to see the doors flung open once more at the Morse Institute Library. The library hours are: Mon. – Fri., 9am-10am (senior & at-risk), and 10am-6pm for the general public; and Saturday, 10am-2pm
