The Emporia Public Library is continuing to shift its operations in order to protect patrons amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to director Robin Newell, a recent guest of KVOE’s Talk of Emporia, this means the library will no longer be a “destination” for the foreseeable future and will instead be a “transactional library.” This means patrons will no longer be able to come and spend hours at the library reading, utilizing computers or simply spending time in the stacks according to Newell.
However; residents will still be able to return and check out materials beginning Monday, Jun. 1 with a curbside pickup option. Newell says this is a heartbreaking development for all librarians but it is necessary in order to keep their patrons as safe as possible.
Newell was asked if she had concerns for those patrons who often come to the library simply to access WiFi services to which she stated they can still do so even from outside the building as the Library’s WiFi goes stretches far beyond its walls.
The library’s plans for a limited reopening recently went into its latest phase with staff returning to the building on May 18 according to Newell. Representatives of the library will be joining KVOE’s Talk of Emporia on Jun. 1 to discuss more changes in programming and operations. For more information visit Emporialibrary.org or call the library at 620-340-6462.
