Kalona Public Library extends closure after COVID-19 exposure

KALONA - The Kalona Public Library has extended back it's reopen date after receiving notice some of their staff have come in contact with a COVID-19 positive individual.

The library administration received notice on June 4 of the contact and closed June 5 to evaluate the situation with Washington County Public Health.

'A couple staff members including myself came in contact with the individual,” said Library Director Trevor Sherping. 'Since then I tested negative, everybody is healthy so far but we were advised to isolate until June 12.”

It has been confirmed that beyond the staff members who were present, no further transmission to the public occurred, said Sherping.

The library was thoroughly cleaned and sanitized over the weekend and plans to reopen on June 15. Reopening may be pushed back if deemed necessary by Washington County Public Health.

Sherping said the library will be in contact with other libraries such as Washington and Wellman to make sure they all have similar reopening plans and one library is not overburdened.

During this time, curbside pickup will not be available but patrons still have access to the library's digital resources. The library also installed a new router last mother that allows access to their Wi-Fi at a broader reach for people to use.

Sherping hopes to announce more information surrounding the reopening by Thursday. Information can be found on their website at kalona.lib.ia.us.