Freeport’s public library has a great flu policy: don’t come if you’re sick, and don’t bring your sick kids.
I was happy and relieved to see the policy posted on the door, especially because they’ve added some help: curbside service.
It’s easy. Patrons can go on line to the Freeport Community Library site, cruise the catalog, put the books, dvds, music or audio books they want on reserve, and then call the library with a plea for curbside service.
The librarians will bundle material and deliver it to the car when patrons drive up.
Now, this is not a service for lazy folks, harassed moms, Type-A business people or phobics of any sort. It’s assistance for people too sick to come inside, or with sick kids or other family members, and it keeps the rest of us from being exposed to whatever illness is floating around. It also keeps the librarians from being exposed. There are contingency plans for municipal offices when the staff is all down with the flu. I’m not sure what your library’s plan is, but it probably includes locking the doors. Perhaps you can suggest curbside service at your library, so that librarians stay healthy and the library stays open.
This is a brilliant and helpful plan that maintains access to a public resource while protecting the public!
Deborah