Yorktown Library Resumes Indoor Service May 3

The John C. Hart Memorial Library will allow patrons to resume indoor browsing and reading on May 3.

The library at 1130 E. Main St. in Shrub Oak will resume normal operating hours at 9:30 a.m. and its Porch Pick-up Window will permanently close. Patrons will be required to wear masks and they will see changes after more than six months of closure.

“The winter gave us an opportunity to reevaluate the collection and change where things are. We’ll have fun showing people around,” said Pat Barresi, the library’s acting director. “We’re doing more promotion of our newer materials towards the front of the library, which is where everybody tends to go.”

Some of the changes at the library include Plexiglass barriers at all the public service points; new display racks to highlight recently acquired books; and less seating to permit proper social distancing. As before the pandemic, computer use will be limited to one hour.

Public access will be limited to 50% of the building’s maximum occupancy, or 150 people. Barresi said that it is unlikely that 150 people will visit the library at the same time in the coming months. There is no limit on how long patrons can stay in the library, but patrons are encouraged to keep their visits short.

All library staffers are expected to be fully vaccinated by the opening date.

“Libraries are essential community gathering spaces, so I’m thrilled that our library can finally reopen safely,” said Supervisor Matt Slater. “I hope all our residents will respect the safety protocols and mask mandates at the library and our other public buildings.”

The resumption of indoor service does not include activities, story times and programs, many of which will remain virtual. The library will also hold programs outdoors, weather permitting. The program rooms will remain closed.

The library will also install a new self-checkout machine in the children’s room. An existing machine is near the reference desk.

Photo caption: Yorktown library clerk Jean Fischer stacks books. Photo courtesy Town of Yorktown.