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Galena Public Library set to reopen with special precautions in place on July 13

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GALENA–The Galena Public Library will reopen Monday, July 13 for limited hours: Mondays and Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Fridays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturdays, noon to 3 p.m.

The first hour will be reserved for seniors and/or immunosuppressed patrons. The historical room will be open Mondays, 2-5 p.m.; Wednesdays and Fridays, 1-5 p.m.; and Saturdays, 1-3 p.m. Historical room visitors will be limited to two people at a time in order to allow for proper social distancing.

All materials to be returned must be brought inside the building. The drop box will continue to remain closed due to the necessity of quarantining materials. Checkouts will continue to be limited at 10 items per card and holds at five items per card. Fines will not be accrued for the foreseeable future.

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Patrons must wear a mask at all times while inside the building and need to sanitize their hands upon entering. Masks will be available for those who do not have one and hand sanitizer will be placed at each entrance and throughout the library. If a mask cannot be worn, contact the library to make alternative arrangements. Six feet social distancing will be observed with signage for unidirectional browsing around the library and at the circulation desk.

If you would like to use a computer, two desktops and two laptops will be available for a maximum of one-hour use. Limited seating will be available for those who would like to bring in their own devices to connect to the library’s Wi-Fi.

Patrons are being asked to focus on obtaining wanted materials and not lingering inside the building for a long period of time. All toys and games have been removed from the children’s library. Magazines and newspapers will not be available for communal use.

Any changes to these procedures will be published to the Galena Public Library website, social media accounts and the newspaper. Direct questions to Jenna Diedrich, diedrichj@galenalibrary.org or call 815-777-0200.