Norwin library reopens amid covid-19 restrictions

Like all good library patrons, the Norwin Public Library used its “quiet” voice when it reopened last month after being closed since mid-March because of the governor’s orders to shut down in order to help prevent the spread of covid-19.

The library on Caruthers Lane, Irwin, had a “soft” reopening with little fanfare, said Diana Falk, library director.

As required by the governor and under the directon of the state Office of Commonwealth Libraries, all patrons and staff are required to wear a mask when inside the building. Patrons should maintain a 6 foot distance from staff and other patrons.

Visitors can browse the circulation materials, but for those who still do not want to go inside or cannot wear a mask for medical reasons, patrons can place circulation materials on hold for curbside pickup, Falk said. Those who want to place holds on an item can visit the library’s website, norwinpubliclibrary.net, or call 724-863-4700, ext. 3. The library will call the patron to say when the item can be picked up at a curbside table.

To keep people from congregating, the library has removed chairs and couches from the adult, young adult and children’s area. The small snack shop is closed.

The computers have been moved from a table where they were in close proximity to a spacious community room, where the users can be socially distant, Falk said. Computer use is limited to one hour.

The library has bagged books for sale, but will not have any of its large book sales for a few months, Falk said.

“We do not have the space for all those books,” which would have to be quarantined before they could be placed for sale.

Returned materials are quarantined for 72 hours. Magazines can be checked out, but newspapers will not be available due to the risk of contamination.

Falk said hand sanitizers have been placed in the building and at the entrance. The building was closed Aug. 5 for a scheduled deep cleaning and surface sanitation.

Area libraries have taken different approaches to the pandemic, according to Cesare Muccari, executive director of the Westmoreland Library Network.

“Not all of them are completely open, but most of them have been doing curbside service,” Muccari said.

The Greensburg Hempfield Area Library and its affiliated Youngwood Area Public Library reopened this month with limited hours and other coronavirus-related restrictions. Patrons are asked to limit browsing to 15 minutes at the two libraries.

“It’s been going very well, people are happy to be back in,” said Diane Ciabottoni, assistant to the library director.

Joe Napsha and Jacob Tierney are Tribune-Review staff writers. You can contact Joe at 724-836-5252, jnapsha@triblive.com or via Twitter @jnapsha. Jacob Tierney is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Jacob at 724-836-6646, jtierney@triblive.com or via Twitter @Soolseem.