For Immediate Release

Tue, 06/10/2020

Contact:

Waynette Ditto

Library Director

Hewitt Public Library

wditto@cityofhewitt.com

The Hewitt Public Library will welcome patrons in the building for checkout of materials beginning Monday, June 15. Curbside pickup service will end on Saturday, June 13, at 5 p.m. Visitors inside the building will see that many changes have been made to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 through the community. The Library’s virtual services will continue without change.

Waynette Ditto, library director, said, “The Library closed to the public March 17 due to COVID-19.  We are reopening cautiously to keep our patrons and staff safe. We want you to come in, find your books, CDs, DVDs, and children’s items, check them out and take them back home to enjoy. That’s what we call ‘grab and go.’”

The Library will limit the number of visitors to 87 at a time.  We are also limiting visits to 30 minutes per trip, with one person per household coming in. All visitors over the age of 2 must wear a face covering to protect the staff and one another. Visitors will notice floor decals to designate where people should stand while in line. Please be courteous and mindful of others and practice proper social distancing by allowing at least 6 feet of space between each person.  

 “Face masks and hand washing are the best ways to keep from catching or spreading the virus,” said Ditto. “We know our patrons love the library and the staff, so we are counting on them to help keep us safe by following recommendations to wear a mask in public and wash hands frequently and thoroughly.”

Upon entrance, patrons will be scanned for temperature checks, directed to a handwashing station, and then be able to browse the adult, teen, and children’s circulating collections to make their selections. Items will be checked out by staff, who will scan items through a plexiglass guard.

Monday mornings, from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m, are designated for patrons ages 55 and older.

No other services will be available initially, and sections of the building will remain off-limits to the public. In addition to the children’s play area, the courtyard, study tables, study rooms, and meeting rooms will remain closed. Printing, faxing, and photocopying, restrooms, and water fountains will not be available for use at this time. Most notably, all computers and I-pads will remain closed, and no public seating will be available. Texshare and Inter-Library Loans are suspended until further notice from the State Library.

All Library materials must be returned to the outside drive-through book drop rather than inside the building.

Hours of operation are as follows:

Monday: 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. is designated to 55 and older.  11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. general public

Tuesday: 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Wednesday: 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Thursday: 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Friday: 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The building will be closed on Sundays

Ditto said, “Our Library provides vital resources, and we are happy to restore access to our community.   We encourage our patrons to consider public health and to be efficient in their visits. We strive to keep everyone as safe as possible while offering our best service. We’re looking forward to opening our doors and welcoming our patrons back one phase at a time. We will continue to evaluate and open up additional services in the coming weeks. ”

Please feel free to contact Waynette Ditto, Library Director or Simon Dulock, Library Manager for questions or concerns at 254 666 2442