The Sewickley Public Library is open — what you need to know before you go
Sewickley Public Library is back open as of Sept. 1, but there are some things that you should know.
Hours are limited. The library is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. It is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays and closed Sundays.
Capacity also is restricted in order to maintain social distancing. Patrons are asked to limit their visits to 30 minutes and follow signs and designated floor markings.
Services are limited, too. You can browse the collections, pick up items that have been placed on hold and check out items. Tables, study spaces and meeting rooms are unavailable. Computers are available, but their use is limited. While the machines have been spaced 6 feet apart and will be sanitized between each use, sessions are by appointment and are limited to one 45-minute session per day.
The virtual programming that took place during the shutdown will continue. Patrons are encouraged to participate in events and classes virtually.
Masks are required at all times. The library will open from 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays for senior citizens and high-risk individuals.
While that’s a lot to remember, opening day went very well, according to library executive director Carolyn Toth.
“Everyone wore masks. Everyone was respectful. The volume of patrons in and out of the library was steady. No overwhelming crowds at all,” Toth said. “Our visitors were middle-age to older folks, some with children in tow. Overall, a good day for our staff and our patrons.”
Curbside pickup is still available — from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and 2 to 4:30 p.m. Saturdays.
Finally, the annual Love Your Library fundraising campaign kicked off Sept. 1. All donations made to the library this month will help unlock a portion of a $200,000 pool of matching funds available to participating Allegheny County libraries thanks to the Jack Buncher Foundation.
“We received quite a few donations online that will be applied to the Jack Buncher Foundation matching grant program,” Toth said.
Katie Green is a TribLive deputy managing editor, overseeing features as well as the Trib's weekly and monthly community newspapers and websites. A former magazine editor, she's serious about coffee, is a proponent of the Oxford comma and enjoys tracing her family tree when she has the time. She can be reached at kgreen@triblive.com.
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