Oakmont Carnegie Library in-person visits now available by appointment

People can patronize the Oakmont Carnegie Library in person by appointment during the covid-19 pandemic.

Library Director Beth Mellor said they started letting people in by appointment last week after enough plexiglass shields were in place.

Appointments can be made either through the library’s website or by calling 412-828-9532.

Up to five people in a family can browse at the same time.

Browsing time is limited to 30 minutes and masks are required to enter the building. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Times are available Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Computer usage also is available by appointment during the browsing days from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., respectively.

Computer sessions are limited to 45 minutes, and users must wear masks.

Curbside pickup of materials also is available during browsing times.

Library programs ceased on March 13 and the facility closed its doors at 700 Allegheny River Blvd. for awhile.

Library safety procedures include Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines as well as input from the state Department of Education and the Allegheny County Library Association.

Mellor said they also monitor coronavirus case data from the county and state.

“It’s been an interesting process,” Mellor said about operating during the pandemic. “The children’s librarian and I are both doing virtual programming, and we opened the lobby for book pick-up on July 6.

“We had a covid cleaning in June, then we had to spend time quarantining materials that were returned, and getting them ready to ship out or put back on our shelves. We’re following the state guidelines for all of that. It took us at least a month to get ready for the lobby opening.”

The library’s summer reading program has continued via social media.

Readings with Mellor and other activities with children’s librarian Karen Crowell are posted on the library’s Facebook page.

It’s unclear when normal library operations will be able to resume.

“We’re not thinking that far ahead,” Mellor said. “(We’re) taking it week by week as we watch all the data that’s coming out.”

Oakmont recently purchased masks, gloves and other supplies for library staff.

Borough Manager Scot Fodi called the library one of the town’s best assets.

“It is an arm of the borough,” he said. “It has its own board. From an operational standpoint, I don’t see why we wouldn’t be supporting them.”

Borough office visits also are by appointment only. It has been that way for several weeks. Most business is done either by phone or email. Visitors must wear masks.

Council meetings are online via Zoom and in-person at the borough building with limited space as per state Health Department guidelines.

Fodi said he does not expect to see much change in those protocols until there is a coronavirus vaccine and people are comfortable receiving the vaccine.

“We’re going to stay like this — meaning masks, isolation, appointment only and cleanliness as long as necessary,” Fodi said.

More information about borough activities is available at oakmontborough.com.