Mt. Pleasant Public Library to reopen starting June 1

MT. PLEASANT - The Mt. Pleasant Public Library plans to begin partially reopening their facility to the public beginning June 1. The library also will be holding their usual Summer Reading Program in a virtual and grab n' go format.

Through the duration of their closure, the library has continued serving the community with curbside pickups at reduced hours. Beginning this week, it will be back to regular hours, Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday until 5:30 p.m. and Saturday until 2 p.m., for continued pickup services.

In addition to curbside pickup, the library has also expanded their book delivery system.

'We did it for homebound people, so I thought, ‘why not expand it for everybody,'” Director Jeff Meyer said.

To take part in the home delivery system, locals can email library staff or call in with a theme, author or specific titles and staff will compile a stack of materials that will be available either for pickup or delivery. The library will continue offering these services as they reopen to the public.

As the state continues to loosen restrictions, Meyer said the library will begin letting ten people into the space at a time for half-hour sessions beginning June 1. People will be able to browse the stacks and use the computers.

To help facilitate the reopening, Meyer said a white board will be stationed at the entrance of the library to keep a tally of how many people are inside at any given time and how long they have been inside.

The library's Summer Reading Program, which will run June 1 through July 31, also will be held differently than it has in years past to accommodate the reopening restrictions.

Youth librarian Beth Kerlin noted children who are interested in doing crafts, which will be grab n' go, will still need to sign up for the program, either online or by phone. The activities will be posted on the library's reading program website each week and will hold story times through their Facebook page.

Kerlin said the library also will be hosting two virtual performances during their summer program,: Magician Mikayla Oz on Tuesday, June 16 and the Jason Kollum Juggling Show on June 14. Those who wish to participate also will have to register on the library's website at https://sites.google.com/view/mpplsummerreading2020/home.

'We're taking all the precautions that we can so that it's safe for staff and patrons,” Meyer said of the reopening.

The director added the library will be 'playing it by ear,” keeping state and county data in mind as well as taking cues with what other libraries are doing. Though he doesn't have any specific dates on when the facility will be reopened to full capacity, he said the process will most likely be done in phases.

'I think we're all looking forward to having people back in here, browsing the stacks and using the computers. It's sort of strange to be in a building without patrons - that has been an adjustment,” Meyer added.