Plum Community Library reopens to the public with some limitations

Plum Community Library reopened March 8 to patrons after months of being closed due to the covid-19 pandemic with a few differences.

“We are excited to see our users, who we haven’t seen in a while, and welcome them back to the library,” Director Pam Calfo said.

The library closed in November and remained closed due to a spike in cases.

It mostly served patrons through curbside pickup last year and the past few months.

“We had a staff meeting a few weeks ago to get ready and prepare for opening,” Calfo said. “The numbers were steadily declining. There’s nothing in particular about March 8, but it gave us some time and some additional data. With covid, everything changes each minute. We wanted to make sure it was safe.”

What’s different

Some of the seats were removed and other furniture is taped off to encourage social distancing while sitting and reading or working on library computers. Additional displays were made to allow for quicker browsing.

Patrons must wear masks to enter, and there is a one-hour time limit.

Calfo said there is an indoor capacity of 20 people, including a couple of workers, but she does not anticipate having that many people inside at once.

“We understand that some people don’t feel comfortable going into public spaces, so curbside will continue to be an option for people,” Calfo said.

She also announced there will be no late fees for returned items.

“We want the library to be a positive experience for everyone, and data has shown that late fees aren’t a good tool for a library to receive the items,” she said.

Resident Rachel Hosch and her son Zane, 6, visited the library on March 9, the day after it reopened. They picked out several selections from the children’s section.

“We’ve been waiting for them to open back up so we can get some more books,” Rachel Hosch said.

Zane said he was happy the library reopened.

There is no appointment necessary to use the library.

All programs remain virtual.

“We’re hoping this spring and summer to do some outside socially distanced programs,” Calfo said.

In-person and curbside hours are Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

More information is available online at plumlibrary.org or by calling 412-798-7323.