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COVID-19 Updates

Update April 4th, 2021

After much research by many organizations and talking with Franklin County Health Department, items checked out will no longer need to be quarantined upon return. Additionally, we will restart our paperback exchange and magazine exchange soon.

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Procedures

The Ottawa Library is committed to serving our community and providing opportunities to everyone. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of the services we provide. To continue to provide services in a safe manner, we have made the following changes:

• Library staff is required to wear masks in high traffic areas and when interacting with patrons.

• Polycarbonate barriers have been erected at our Reference Desk, Circulation Desk, and Children's Department Desk.

• NO LONGER NEEDED: Materials returning to the library or coming from other libraries are quarantined for 96 hours before they are shelved.

• Sanitizer wipe stands have been placed next to the patron computer use areas.

• Hand sanitizer is available at multiple locations throughout the library.

• Patrons are restricted to every other computer.

• Kid computers are unavailable.

• The meeting room in the Reference Department has limited availability.

• All indoor in-person programs are canceled at this time.

• When possible, programs have transitioned to virtual platforms like Zoom or Facebook.

• Staff regularly wipes down doorknobs, keyboards, and other surfaces patrons may interact with.

• The water fountain has been disabled until a safe alternative can be installed.

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