June 9th Update
June 5th marked the first date that library staff were allowed into the buildings (other than for emergency facility work or obtaining materials to work from home) since mid-March. We are currently getting organized, obtaining supplies, and preparing the buildings to start some in-person services. For the initial “yellow” phase of reopening, the libraries remain closed to the public, however, we will begin implementing curbside pickup services beginning June 15th.
The library system has purchased software which will allow patrons to schedule curbside pickup of library holds (materials requested through the library catalog). At this time, we anticipate having this service available beginning June 15th. When this service becomes available, please check our website for information on how to use this service. Also, beginning June 15th, library staff will be present in the buildings to answer calls for general assistance as well as assistance during a modified library schedule in conjunction with the curbside pickup program.
The modified schedule will be:
Monday: 11 am – 7 pm
Tuesday: 11 am – 5 pm
Wednesday: 11 am – 7 pm
Thursday: 11 am – 5 pm
Friday: 9 am – 3 pm
Saturday: 10 am – 2 pm
The book drops are now open for returns. Due dates for checked-out materials is being extended to June 30th and no fines will accrue during this time. In order to comply with CDC guidelines, all materials that are returned to the libraries are subject to a 72-hour quarantine. Staff will not be checking them in immediately, so if you are looking on your record, they will remain on your account until this 72-hour window expires.
Currently, library card expiration dates are extended through August 1st. The Chester County Library System may extend that date depending on how the situation continues to develop.
Stay safe and we hope to see you soon!
Christopher Kibler
Library Director
Previous Message
As Chester County moves into Governor Wolf’s “Yellow Phase” of reopening, the Tredyffrin Township Libraries will begin be implementing a phased process to reinstate library services consistent with the recommendations of the Office of Commonwealth Libraries and in cooperation with the Chester County Library System. Beginning June 5th, library staff will be able to enter the buildings for the first time since March 13th. While we are eager to begin the process of reopening the libraries, we will be making adjustments to our regular services that help ensure everyone’s safety.
Although staff are allowed in the buildings on June 5th, the libraries will remain closed to the public for the time being. You may begin returning library materials on June 5th to library book drops. Please keep in mind that it may take some time before we are able to check material in and remove it from your account. We will of course be backdating all returned material when checking it in to ensure that no one accrues overdue fines. Library staff will also begin initiating limited on-site services while preparing to offer a broader scope of services once we move from the “Yellow Phase” to the “Green Phase”. This will involve implementing a process to provide curbside pickup of materials, quarantining and processing holds and returned items, moving furniture and workstations to promote proper social distancing protocols, designating traffic patterns, and developing any additional processes need to ensure public safety.
As many of you know, we have been working hard to provide you with online resources and content ranging from e-books to virtual activities through our catalog, website, social media, Zoom, and other platforms. We will continue to provide and develop virtual resources for the near future as we are uncertain as to when programs, events, and activities in the libraries will resume.
Please know that we are doing everything we can to ensure the safety and well-being of our staff and patrons and we ask that you continue to be patient while we work toward implementing these measures. An announcement will be made soon regarding when Tredyffrin Township Libraries will initiate our curbside pickup of materials and further announcements will follow as we receive information regarding moving to the “Green Phase” of reopening.
Thank you again for your patience and we hope to see you again soon.
Christopher Kibler
Director
Tredyffrin Township Libraries
