Today an important temporary change to our public services is being announced. It is in the best interest of both the institution and the community to begin to limit in-person library services to curbside-only with no in-building public access. This change for PCCLD will commence on Wednesday, November 18.
While patron walk-in services will be unavailable beginning next week, we will continue to offer curbside delivery of materials in our library parking lots, home mail delivery of library materials, telephone support, and online and virtual library services and programs.
It is important to note that PCCLD's curbside program will include checkout of Internet hotspots and tablets as well as more traditional materials like books.
This change to PCCLD public services is in response to the high rate of COVID-19 transmission occurring now locally as evidenced by yesterday's announcement that Pueblo County is moving this weekend to "high risk" according to Colorado's COVID-19 protocols. This rollback has been reviewed with PCCLD’s management team and final pieces are being put in place now for the service modification next week.
PCCLD has avoided documented onsite COVID-19 transmission to date but we are seeing more library employees quarantined currently due to COVID-19 exposure in other areas of their lives. Moving PCCLD to curbside service will assist both in terms of some current COVID-related staffing shortages as well as assist generally to reduce potential community virus spread at a critical time. We are hopeful that services can open back up soon, but there is no timeline now for that.
We have established safe staff social distancing and PPE protocols in our workplace so employees should plan to continue to report to work. It is vital for each of us to wear a face mask when in the presence of others, always maintain six feet of social distance, regularly wash our hands and sanitize high-touch surfaces, and stay home when sick.
Training will be provided early next week for those working in public service departments and branches in preparation for this change. Please check with your supervisor or Human Resources should you have questions.
Your good work during this difficult time is very much appreciated.
Sincerely,
Jon
Jon Walker
Executive Director
