People wanting to visit the Oakmont Carnegie Library must mask up before entering.

Library officials made the announcement Aug. 26 via Facebook.

“This is non-negotiable,” the post read.

It also indicated the move was in conjunction with Riverview School District’s health and safety plan to mandate masks for everyone to start the new school year.

Library director Beth Mellor said via email that the change in protocols was for everyone’s safety.

“When the school board went to masked, we realized we needed to also protect the kids coming into the library since (some are) not vaccinated because of their age,” Mellor said. “We also want to protect the frail elderly who use the space and of course the staff. Hard decision, but we’ve set aside a space for anyone who can’t wear a mask for them to work, and we’ll always help someone who needs something but can’t mask.”

The district’s plan stipulates masks can only be removed when eating or drinking (at lunch), or when outside and physically distanced from others. The first day of school for students was Aug. 26.

The library, at 700 Allegheny River Blvd. is open Monday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Most of its programs were moved online due to covid-19 concerns.

More information is available at oakmontlibrary.org.

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