With the spread of a new, more contagious Covid-19 strain, many Connecticut businesses have begun to reevaluate their recent reopenings. The Wallingford Public Library reopened in July after a four-month closure, but it has recently closed its doors again, citing concerns about the increasing rate of infection and the public’s noncompliance with Covid-19 guidelines.
In the past few months, the library has been eager to serve the community. One program that began after the first closure in March was the Park ’n Pickup service, which allows residents to reserve and check out books without entering the library or interacting with other library members and staff. Other pick-up programs have been created to provide tech equipment, such as Chromebooks and WiFi hotspots, as well as recreational equipment like board games, jigsaw puzzles, and arts supplies to the community. Members can request materials and sign up for a pick-up slot by calling the library.
Library Director Ms. Jane Fisher said that the main concern that led to the library’s most recent closure was “the new [Covid-19] variant and the feeling that we could be doing more to protect our staff and the public.”
In the past few months, the library staff has had to deal with many patrons who have not worn a mask inside the building. “Sometimes people forget or walk completely into the library before they put their mask on,” said Ms. Fisher. These actions raised concerns for staff members at the greeter desk, which is situated at the entrance of the library.
Connecticut’s positivity rate has also been escalating since the new strain of Covid-19 was identified, and this proved to be the last straw for the library’s Board of Managers as they finalized the decision to temporarily close. The state’s test positivity rate jumped to 10.72% on January 12 and is now at 6.29% as of January 20.
Since the library’s closure, Ms. Fisher has reported a rise in popularity for the Park ’n Pickup program. Even readers from neighboring towns travel to the Wallingford Public Library to take advantage of the program.
Given the great demand for the library’s resources and services, the team is planning to reopen on January 25 with stricter enforcement of social distancing regulations. Working with the Wallingford Health Department, state health officials, and Governor Ned Lamont, the library has begun to implement slight changes in preparation for the reopening. The library has installed thicker glass protection around staff members’ workspaces and placed additional signs outside the building to remind the public about the importance of wearing masks both inside and outside the library.
Until then, the library will continue to be available to the public through the main phone line, digital selections, and the multiple resource pick-up programs. Although operating hours have been slightly adjusted, there are still plenty of slots for book pick-up throughout the week, allowing residents to select a new read to keep them occupied and entertained during this pandemic.
