Mt. Pleasant Public Library in ‘lockstep’ with residents

MT. PLEASANT - The Mt. Pleasant Public Library is incrementally allowing more visitors as it continues to reopen fully to the public.

The library originally allowed patrons back into its building on June 1 following a shutdown in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Ten people were allowed into the library for 30-minute time slots to allow residents to browse the shelves and use computers.

The facility has increased the number of people allowed in the building and the amount of time they are allowed to be in the building each week.

At this time, 16 people can be in the building for up to an hour.

Library Director Jeff Meyer said the reopening has seen a 'steady flow” of people visit the library. Though the building has, in several instances, reached the capacity of allowed visitors, Meyer said a line has never formed for entrance into the building.

'When we first opened, we weren't sure what was going to happen … our gradual increase has seemed to match the comfort level of people. It's in pretty good lockstep,” he said.

In the interest of health and safety, the library moved its programming to a virtual format and began delivering its summer reading program as 'grab-and-go” packets.

Currently, all programs remain online, however, Meyer said the staff is looking to begin transitioning back to in-person programs.

Though he doesn't have a firm date on when those programs would begin, the library director added staff are continuing to prepare by making sure rooms are appropriately spaced out and a cleaning procedure is in place.

'Anything that has to be physically touched will be limited to one person and cleaned, wiped and washed before anyone else touches it,” he said.

Meyer added the library plans to continue increasing the number of people and the time people can spend in the library each week.