Libraries Are for People

May 26, 2020

We are Working to Bring You Back – Safely

Governor Tom Wolf announced on Friday that Lackawanna County will move to the Yellow Phase on June 5 in the State’s coronavirus mitigation plan meaning that some restrictions on work and social interaction will ease while others remain in place.

For Lackawanna County libraries, moving to the Yellow Phase will mean preparing for partial reopening. We are working hard to determine which services we will be able to offer, creating protocols for taking back borrowed material that our patrons have been holding since we closed in mid-March, developing training for staff on procedures that will be new and will emphasize virus mitigation, and so much more that must be in place before we can see you again.

When we open again in the limited ways allowed by the Yellow Phase, things will be different. We will continue to communicate with you as we have all during the coronavirus emergency about ways that you can use the libraries in this time of uncertainty.

What We Are Doing to Prepare for the Yellow Phase Operations

Developing plans for the services we will be able to offer during partial reopening
Making sure we have enough personal protective equipment for staff members who will be able to work during the period of partial reopening
Obtaining cleaning and disinfecting supplies to make and keep libraries safe
Creating schedules and protocols for partial reopening
Developing a communication plan to keep you informed about services that will be available

What You Can Do

Continue to hold books and other material from the library until we tell you that we are ready to receive it. There will be no fines levied on overdue material
Continue to use lclshome.org, our virtual library, to download eBooks and audiobooks, stream movies, use eLearning sites, seek entertainment and enrichment, and to keep children busy and engaged at home while they are home from school
Monitor our email newsletter, Live & Learn in Lackawanna County, library Facebook pages and our website for news and updates about libraries
Make yourself familiar with Responding to COVID-19 in Pennsylvania, a guide to the State’s efforts and requirements for controlling the coronavirus. Scroll down to the table showing Yellow Phase restrictions for guidance about what is and what is not allowed in this phase
Make handwashing, mask wearing and social distancing part of your regular routine

The Lackawanna County Library System is a confederation of seven independent libraries – Abington Community Library, Carbondale Public Library, Dalton Community Library, North Pocono Public Library, Scranton Public Library, Taylor Community Library, and Valley Community Library – each with its own board, director and staff.

Lackawanna County Libraries serve different kinds of communities – urban, suburban, rural – and many of our patrons are among the people most vulnerable to COVID-19, including the elderly, young children, and immunocompromised individuals. Lackawanna County library buildings have different layouts, people capacities and parking access.

Libraries are for people. We miss you and we know that you miss us. When we see you again, it will be important that we meet in ways that are safe for both of us.