KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Kalamazoo Public Library (KPL) has announced plans for reopening its doors during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ahead of the reopening date, curbside drop-off is available as of Monday, June 15. Patrons may return any materials they had checked out at their preferred KPL location. KPL staff will be onsite at each location to walk patrons through the drop-off process.
Materials will be quarantined for 72 hours, cleaned and returned to the shelf. Due dates for all materials have been extended accordingly. Patrons should note that, due to the quarantine process, it will take a few days before returns are reflected on accounts.
Curbside Drop-off Locations/Dates/Hours are listed as follows:
- Central Library (CEN): Monday – Friday, 12 – 6 p.m.
- Oshtemo (OSH) | Alma Powell (POW) | Washington Square (WSQ) | Eastwood (EAS): Monday – Thursday, 12 – 6 p.m.
Beginning on Monday, June 22, all KPL locations will be open with reduced hours and limited access to services.
The limited hours following reopening can be viewed below:
- CEN: Monday – Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- OSH: Monday – Thursday 11 a.m. 6 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.– 2 p.m.
- POW|EAS|WSQ: Monday – Thursday 1 – 6 p.m., Friday 1 – 5 p.m., Saturday closed
All locations are closed on Sundays.
“KPL prioritizes the safety of our patrons and staff and we have adapted our buildings to minimize the risk of exposure to potential illness,” officials said in a statement. “We have installed plexiglass at all service desks, 6-feet distancing markers, and limited available furniture. Our bathrooms have all been upgraded for touchless access. Our catalogs and computer equipment are covered in plastic that will be replaced after each use. KPL staff will regularly disinfect all high-touch surface areas. Hand sanitizer and wipes are available for public use. We hope these changes will make our patrons’ visitor experience more comfortable.”
Patrons are asked to abide by the following requirements:
- All patrons are required to wear a face-covering during their visit*. If you do not have one, a mask will be provided by KPL staff upon entry
- If you are experiencing any COVID-19 related symptoms, please do not enter
- Patrons must maintain 6 feet of distance from one another
- Each location will only allow 25% of building capacity at one time
- Patrons will have 1-hour maximum to browse, use the computer and check out materials
- Quarantine and cleaning returned materials will impact hold times. As a result, patrons are limited to 10 checked-out materials on their account
- All printing must be picked up at the service desk
- Toys, puzzles and musical instruments will not be available in the children’s area
- Multi-use print publications including newspapers and magazines will not be available at this time
- Water fountains will be disabled. Patrons will have access to automatic water bottle fillers
- Hand sanitizer and wipes are available and the buildings are routinely cleaned by KPL staff
Children under the age of 2 are not required to wear a mask. Patrons who are not able to wear a face-covering due to medical reasons will not be permitted in the building but will be provided with alternative service. More information regarding alternative services will be posted on June 22nd.
More information can be found online at the Kalamazoo Public Library website.
