Bucks Co. Library's Mask Policy Ignites Debate

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — The Bucks County Free Library opened its branches Monday, after being closed since mid-March due to the pandemic.

Many eager patrons expressed joy and relief that they'd be able to pick out new books following months of being cooped up at home.

But some, flocking to the library's social media pages to express themselves, say they're not so happy about the library's reopening and their dissatisfaction hinges on one thing: masks.

The library, in announcing its opening Monday morning, received numerous comments on its Facebook page from peeved patrons who say the library's mandatory mask policy is in violation of the Americans With Disabilities Act.

"Why aren't you allowing medically exempt individuals in just like everyone else? That's in direct violation of the order from Dr Levine," one patron wrote.

But the library, which reviewed its policy with legal counsel before rolling it out to branches for implementation, says it's simply untrue they're not accommodating those with medical issues.

"It’s no surprise to us that there has been a spirited discussion on our Facebook page regarding the wearing of masks when visiting the library. Almost everyone has a strong opinion about it," said library spokesperson Regina Fried.

Last week, Gov. Tom Wolf expanded the state's mask-wearing requirements, making it mandatory to wear a face covering when in public. Even still, mask wearing continues to be a partisan issue, with many rebuffing mounting evidence that wearing a mask can slow the spread of the coronavirus.

The library on Tuesday clarified its policy in an email to Patch, which included the full nine-page briefing prepared by its attorney.

Here is a summary of the library's policy:

Every person who enters a branch building must be wearing a mask or face covering. Those who cannot wear a mask due to a disability are then provided with options.

One option is for them to instead wear a scarf, bandana, or other loose face covering, or a full-face shield instead of a face mask. The library's policy states they'll even provide a bandana to patrons who come without a mask. The patron would then take that bandana with them when they leave.

If a patron does not want to wear the loose-fitting face covering, there are still options for them to access the services and materials they seek in a curbside manner.

The patron can search the library catalog online, call the library directly, or have a staff person look up the items at the time of their visit. The materials will then be checked out curbside.

Patrons seeking a library card can apply online and pick it up curbside. They may apply on the spot by giving their information or identification to a staff member, but they will be asked to wait in their car. A staff member will bring their card to them when it is ready.

Those who need to use the library computers to print materials can e-mail the items to the library, and a staff member will deliver the printed pages curbside.

For Wi-Fi access: the library's signal extends outside the building at every branch. Maskless patrons may access Wi-Fi on their own device outdoors or in their car.

However, if after working with the patron to find a suitable alternative and the response remains: “I demand access without wearing any mask – and that is it” the library's policy says it is not required by law to grant the person access.

"This is because allowing a library user entry into a branch without a mask is a direct threat to the employees and other library users of the library and negatively impacts the safe operation of BCFL," the policy said.

You can view the library's full reopening rules and policies here.

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