Several local libraries are starting to cautiously reopen after closing during the COVID-19 health emergency.
Libraries in Crandon, Antigo, and Merrill have been open this week.
The Minocqua Public Library will open next Monday.
In Three Lakes, the Demmer Memorial Library will reopen next Tuesday.
Director Erica Brewster said it will be taking several precautions.
“Consider wearing a facemask when you come in to the library. If you don’t have a facemask, we’ll have one available for you to use when you’re in the building. All of the staff will be wearing facemasks when they’re working with the public,” she said.
Like Minocqua and other libraries, the Demmer Library quarantines books and materials for 72 hours after they’re returned.
Furthermore, only ten people will be allowed in the building at a time, and they can only stay for 30 minutes.
“We have users and staff members who, themselves, or have family members who, if they get this, they will suffer greatly from this virus. We’re doing our best. We want to protect the people coming in and we want to offer our staff safety and ask people who are coming in to do the same,” Brewster said.
She said people have been thankful for the library’s drive-up offerings over the last several weeks.
“We’ve had so many people slip us notes and say, ‘Thank you very much. We really appreciate anything you can give us.’ We just want to be able to offer a little bit more and make everybody’s life a little bit easier,” she said.
The Demmer Memorial Library will be open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesdays from noon to 7 p.m.
The Minocqua Public Library will be open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
