Bucks Co. Libraries Announce Reopening Plans

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — The Bucks County Free Library system is preparing for a phased reopening once the county moves to the yellow phase of coronavirus mitigation, which is expected this Friday. The library has been closed since March 14 due to the pandemic.

On Monday, the library system released a three-phased timeline for when residents can expect services to resume. All the remote services that have been available during the closures will remain.

Because of differing needs for preparation, not all libraries will be able to restore services on the same dates. This phased plan gives date ranges to account for unknowns, such as backorders for disinfectants or other safety supplies and equipment, library officials said.

"While we have set out an approximate timeline for restoration of other services, please be aware that the timeline may change because the situation remains fluid," the library said in its announcement.

Phase one, which begins June 8, will see library staff return to the buildings. For about two weeks, staff will handle backlogs of materials and reconfigure the buildings to support social distancing.

In the second phase, which is expected toward the end of June, most libraries will offer curbside pickup.

In the third phase, expected about mid-July, buildings will reopen to the public.

Here are further details on each phase:

June 8: Library Users May Return Items

• Starting June 8, library users can return items to book drops.
• There are more than 165,000 items to be returned. "Because of the volume, we are asking people to try to use a 'birthday rule' in the next few weeks when bringing things back. If your birthday is on an even numbered date, please try to return items on an even date. If it’s on an odd date, please try to return materials on an odd date. This will help us control the flow of materials so we don’t have to shut down book drops that become over-filled and unusable," the library said.
• All returned items will be quarantined for 72 hours before they can be processed. "It may take several days for your returned items to be cleared from your account. Please be assured we will not charge late fees during this time."
• No libraries will be accepting book donations.

June 18-25: Curbside pick-ups begin

• Most libraries in Bucks County will offer curbside services.
• You will be able to request items for pickup by placing a hold in our catalog or calling the library.
• You'll be notified by e-mail or phone when your order is ready. You may then set up an appointment for pickup. When you come to pick up your materials you must wear a mask and practice social distancing.
• Returned materials are not accepted curbside because they must be quarantined. If you need to return materials, put them in the book drop or other receptacle.
• Payments are not accepted curbside. If you need to make a payment on your account, do it online.

July 6-13: Buildings open

• Collections will be available for browsing and checkouts. Computers and seating areas will be available.
• · Library users will be required to wear masks and practice social distancing while in the library.
• Staff will be wearing masks and enforcing social distancing.
• Signs near service desks and checkouts will be in place to indicate where to line up or wait for help.
• Capacity will be limited to 50 percent.
• Computers and furniture will be moved to allow for social distancing.
• All libraries will be following requirements set out by the Commonwealth in its business orders for operational and building safety.

Check your library’s website or call to find out more detailed information. Contact information for all Bucks County libraries is at: buckslib.org/locations.