186 Middle Rd.

Blue Point, NY 11715-1932

631-363-6133

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186 Middle Road, Blue Point, NY 11715-1217  | 631-363-6133

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Library Staged Reopening Procedure and Time Line

The Bayport-Blue Point Public Library assumes the obligation to provide staff and patrons a safe environment. On Sunday March 15th the library closed its doors in the interest of public health when the Covid-19 pandemic began. Several months have passed and we are now prepared to enter into a new era of library operations and post-pandemic. Governor Cuomo asked us to reimagine the workplace in our new reality. Although the building remains the same, operations and services will vary according to best practices, recommendations and compliance with Federal, State and local government and health officials.

The Library will reopen using a phased approach that will continually be monitored and evaluated. With safety being a paramount priority, the library has purchased, modified, or is awaiting installation of the following:

  • Disposable and cloth masks
  • Disinfectant spray and wipes
  • Disposable gloves
  • Face shields
  • Plexiglass barriers at public service desks
  • Upgraded filters for HVAC system
  • Safety signage
  • Additional hand sanitizers
  • Disposable plates, utensils and cups

Staff Safety

Staff is urged to monitor their own health and notify a supervisor if they feel unwell at work. Prior to work staff should determine if they have any of the following symptoms

  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fever
  • Chills/aches
  • Muscle pain
  • Sore throat
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Blueish purple coloring of toes or fingers

Please contact your health provider and be assessed for COVID-19 before coming to work if you have any of the above symptoms. DO NOT COME TO WORK IF YOU HAVE ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS! Upon arriving to work, you will have to fill out a daily questionnaire about your current health and take a temperature reading.

Expectations for Staff

  • While at work, staff will be provided with any personal protective equipment recommended by the CDC for employees serving the public at the expense of the library
  • Staff will be required to follow guidance regarding face masks if social distancing cannot be achieved
  • Several types of masks will be provided and staff may choose what type of mask they are most comfortable wearing
  • Gloves are to be worn while handling items such as books. DVDs.
  • Staff is expected to frequently wash hands during the workday and may do so outside of breaktime
  • Staff is expected to clean their workspace at the start and end of their shift by using supplied disinfecting cleaning supplies from the library
  • Staff is expected to maintain a debris/clutter free desk to allow for the cleaning crews to properly disinfect
  • There will be no congregating in the break room, 1 person a time. The staff break room can be used for the preparation of food
  • Do not bring in food to be shared
  • Social distancing among staff is to be observed. Temporary workstations may be set up so that all staff can maintain adequate social distancing while working. At the beginning of your shift, you will be assigned your workstation.
  • Additional cleaning protocols will be employed as recommended by the CDC to maintain sanitary conditions

The Bayport-Blue Point Public Library will reopen using a staged reopening schedule to the extent that circumstances permit.

Stage 1: (Estimated length: 2 weeks May 25 – June7)

  • Library building will remain closed to the public, but book drops will be open to accept returns.
  • Some library employees will be assigned to return to work.
  • Social distancing will be practiced.
  • Staff shifts may be staggered and work schedules adjusted to reduce density; staff telework where possible and applicable to job tasks; supplementary cleaning protocols will be in place within library facilities.
  • Library employees will be working to enhance distance services and prepare the Library facility for future onsite Library services.
  • No materials donations will be accepted.
  • Elimination of overdue fines.

Stage 2: (Estimated length: 2 weeks June 8 – June 21)

  • Library building will remain closed to the public, but Library may begin to allow the lending and returning of Library items by way of contactless “front door” pickup and drop off. Until additional guidance is received from the CDC and/or the Federal Institute of Library and Museum Services, returned Library materials will be quarantined for a minimum period of 72 hours subsequent to being handled.
  • No materials donations will be accepted.
  • Social distancing will be practiced.
  • Staff shifts may be staggered and work schedules adjusted; staff telework where possible and applicable to job tasks; supplementary cleaning protocols will be implemented.
  • Employees who have contact with Library materials will be required to wear gloves while handling materials. Gloves will be provided to employees.
  • Employees who have contact with the public will be required to wear masks during times of contact. Masks will be provided to employees.

Stage 3: (Estimated length: 2 weeks June 22 – July 5)

  • Front-door pickup ends and Library facilities may open to the public with reduced hours and social
    distancing restrictions in place.
  • Self-pickup of holds / self-checkout stations will be introduced.
  • Significant modifications of facilities and service programs may be implemented including restrictions on Library hours, public access, building capacities, seating areas, computer usage, and access to Library stacks.
  • Group gatherings and meetings will not be permitted. Meeting Rooms, Technology Lab, and Tutoring Room will be closed to the public.
  • Social distancing will be practiced.
  • Staff shifts may be staggered and work schedules adjusted; staff telework where possible and applicable to job tasks; supplementary cleaning protocols will be implemented.
  • Employees who have contact with Library materials will be required to wear gloves while handling materials. Gloves will be provided to employees.
  • Employees who have contact with the public will be required to wear masks during times of contact. Masks will be provided to employees.
  • No materials donations will be accepted.

Stage 4: (Estimated length: 4-12 months or as long as social distancing requirements are in place July 6 –
Dec. 31)

  • Library facilities may open to the public with more hours than Stage 3 and social distancing restrictions in place.
  • Self-pickup of holds / self-checkout stations.
  • Significant modifications of facilities and service programs may be implemented including restrictions on Library hours, public access, building capacities, seating areas, computer usage, and access to Library stacks.
  • Small group gatherings (10-12) may be permitted in the Gene Horton & Community Meeting Room. All
    other meeting Rooms will be reduced to a maximum of 2 people.
  • Social distancing will be practiced.
  • Staff shifts may be staggered and work schedules adjusted; staff telework where possible and applicable to job tasks; supplementary cleaning protocols will be implemented.
  • Employees who have contact with Library materials will be required to wear gloves while handling materials. Gloves will be provided to employees.
  • Employees who have contact with the public will be required to wear masks during times of contact. Masks will be provided to employees.
  • No materials donations will be accepted.

Bayport-Blue Point Public Library Post-Stage 3 (End of social distancing requirements)

  • Library may return to normal, pre-COVID-19 operations and reinstate regular service programs
    including events.

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