Northern Dauphin Library to partially reopen Monday, June 29
As part of “green” reopening, members can enter libraries for an hour to use computers or check out books and other materials
Harrisburg, PA – The Northern Dauphin Library in Lykens will partially reopen at 10 a.m. on Monday, June 29, joining four other locations that began serving members earlier this month.
Additionally, in keeping with the state’s COVID-19 “green” precautions designed to keep everyone safe, all five Dauphin County Library System locations will allow members up to an hour to access the buildings to select and check out materials. Previously, members were only allowed in for up to an hour to use the public computers.
“While we are now letting members browse the shelves, we want to limit visits to an hour so we can avoid too many people in the building at once and maintain safe social distancing,’’ said Karen Cullings, The Library’s executive director. “We continue to ask that all visitors wear masks, and all locations will have masks available for those who need them.”
As of Monday, the following libraries are open:
• Northern Dauphin Library, 683 Main Street, Lykens.
• East Shore Area Library, 4501 Ethel Street, Lower Paxton Township.
• Madeline L. Olewine Memorial Library, 2410 N. Third Street, Harrisburg.
• William H. & Marion C. Alexander Family Library, 200 W. Second Street, Hummelstown.
• Elizabethville Area Library, 80 N. Market Street, Washington Township.
Except for Elizabethville, which is closed on Mondays, the libraries will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. The East Shore Area Library will also be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays. Seniors only hour is from 10 to 11 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at all open locations.
Free Wi-Fi, available outside at all locations since the lockdown began March 13, will remain accessible.
All programs are still online and curbside delivery recommended
During this limited building reopening, members are still encouraged to use Curbside Pickup to check out items either through BookAdvisor (dcls.org/bookadvisor) or the online catalog (dcls.org/catalog) – choosing their preferred open location for curbside pickup. Members without computer access may request materials by calling 717-652-9380.
Once they have been notified their materials are ready, members will have one week to retrieve their selections. All items will be placed in new, clean, recyclable paper shopping bags. A designated parking area will be available, and members will call the number on the sign, have their account information verified, and a staff member will bring the items to them while they remain in their cars.
Due to coronavirus health concerns, The Library continues to offer all its programs virtually, from children’s storytimes to adult book clubs. All Children’s programs are held on Zoom, while adult programs are held on Zoom, the Adult Programs at The Library Facebook group, or The Library’s “Beyond the Shelves” blog (dcls.org/BeyondTheShelves).
Registration information for all online programs is available at dcls.org/src. Visit facebook.com/DCLS.PA and click on “Groups” in the left sidebar to join Adult Programs at The Library or Children’s Programs at The Library groups.
Cullings encouraged the public to explore the full range of databases, eBooks, eAudiobooks, streaming music and movies available online. Users need a library card for access, and Dauphin County residents can get a card for free by visiting dcls.org/getcard.
Staying safe during the pandemic
Cullings said the reopening of the last three locations – Johnson Memorial Library in Millersburg and the Kline and McCormick Riverfront libraries in Harrisburg – depends on the availability of staff and pandemic status.
Meanwhile, The Library’s stringent safety precautions continue, including having staff clean all publicly accessible areas every two hours. Additionally, all staff members are receiving training covering cleaning and sanitizing procedures, and at the start of each shift will have their temperature taken and answer health screening questions. Staff use gloves when handling items used by the public and when delivering materials for curbside pickup.
“The wellbeing of our members and staff is paramount as we continue our reopening process,’’ Culling said. “Safety is our number one priority as we continue to provide the services on which our community depends.’’
For more information about The Library’s reopening plan, ordering materials, accessing the vast array of online programming and other information, please visit dcls.org/reopeningplan.