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The Selma-Dallas County Public Library opened its doors to the public after eight weeks serving its patrons behind closed doors via online, telephone and curbside services.
The library closed its doors in March to in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Selma.
Selma-Dallas County Public Library Director Becky Nichols called the occasion “fabulous” as she welcomed patrons back to the library on Monday morning.
“We have been looking forward to a safe, limited opening for eight weeks, since we closed,” she said. “Although we’ve had a lively business with curbside…we’re thrilled to be able to open the doors of this library again.”
“It’s good to be with people again,” added Circulation Librarian Deontae Dial. “It feels great.”
Though the library is once again open to the public, staff is taking precautionary measures to continue to prevent the spread of the virus and ensure the safety of its patrons.
“Obviously, we’re following health protocol tightly,” said Nichols.
Entry and exit to the library has been regulated to the front door where patrons will be greeted by library staff who will check the temperature and offer hand sanitizer to those that enter.
Masks will also be offered to everyone that comes into the library, many of which were made by either library staff or members of the library’s Book Bunch Club.
“We’ve made over 300 masks for your use while you’re inside,” said Nichols.
Nichols added that, once patrons enter the library, “rules are pretty tight.”
Everyone who enters the library over the age of two must wear a mask and time for patrons is limited to 30 minutes once inside the library, the capacity of which will be just 25 people.
“We’re limiting your time to 30 minutes and asking that it be purpose driven,” said Nichols. “Obviously, longer exposure, as we know, is risky.”
For those still nervous about entering the library, the curbside services the library has been providing the past eight weeks will still be available the latter half of the day.
The library will be open for patrons to come inside from 9 a.m. to noon and then from noon to 5 p.m. curbside services will be offered.
“We’re offering a full day of library service,” said Nichols. “You can choose whatever you’re comfortable with.”