Beaumont Library Is Now Open With 30-Minute “Express” Service​​

Beaumont Library closed to the public in mid-March when the COVID-19 pandemic shut down countries around the world. But now things have finally improved!

The State of California recently entered Phase 3 of its reopening plan, which means that Beaumont Library was able to restore some of its services and return to regular evening and weekend hours as of August 10.

Based upon state public health recommendations, the Library is now providing the following 30-minute “Express” services with these requirements:

1. Masks covering nose and mouth are required at all times

As is the case in other public venues, masks covering nose and mouth are required for the public while in the library building, except for children under 3. Those under 18 must be supervised by an adult.

2. Seating is not available to allow for proper social distancing

In order to comply with recommended restrictions, all user seating has been removed to make it easier for visitors to space themselves six feet apart and to encourage time spent in the building to be limited.

3. Customers are encouraged to keep their visits brief

For safety sake, only “Express” services are being provided with no lengthy interactions between staff and public allowed. In addition, there is no access to public computers at this time and neither printing nor photocopying will be offered.

4. No more than 15 customers are allowed in the building at any one time

Since Beaumont Library has limited space, no more than 15 members of the public are allowed in the building at any one time. All visits should be as quick as possible and are limited to 30 minutes or less.

5. Social distance markings are being used in high traffic areas

Like most retail locations, we have floor markings to ensure that members of the public maintain spacing in high traffic areas and we have appropriate barriers to distance staff from public as necessary.

6. Curbside pickup and delivery will continue for a temporary time

Because some are not ready to enter our building at this time, we are continuing delivery service, as well as the curbside pickup of all holds from 10 to 3 on Mon., Tues., Thurs. & Fri. and 2 to 4 on Sat. & Sun.

7. Some materials are available for browsing “at your own risk”

Studies have shown that the virus disappears from all library materials after at most 1 to 3 days, depending on the type. Customers may choose to browse the collection (except newspapers and magazines), but should leave items touched and not taken to be re-shelved by staff.

8. All items touched or checked out will be disinfected after use

Library staff will continue to sanitize/quarantine all materials returned in our book drops or in person, as well as items that may have been handled, but not checked out, by customers browsing our collections.

9. Customers will be monitored for any obvious signs of illness

All employees who are ill must take sick leave and remain at home. Anyone, whether staff or public, who exhibits obvious ill health, such as high temperature or persistent coughing and sneezing, will be asked to leave the facility and not return until in good health.

10. Daily cleaning will continue with wipes and sanitizer available

Daily cleaning of the Library will continue, and cleanliness of public restrooms will be monitored on a regular basis. In addition, hand soap, sanitizer and disinfectant wipes will be available for the public after the use of library material, equipment, and facilities.

Healthful Advice: Please note that persons using library facilities and materials do so at their own risk. Because older people, as well as those with pre-existing conditions, are most at risk for the virus, those individuals may prefer curbside pickup or delivery at home for the near term. In addition, everyone needs to remember to:

· Avoid close contact with people who are sick

· Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands

· Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and, if soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content

· Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues and throw the tissues in the trash after use

· Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces

· Stay home when feeling sick

Beaumont Library, a California Special District independent of both city and county government, provides library services to Beaumont and Cherry Valley and is located at 125 E. Eighth Street in Beaumont. Call 951-845-1357 or visit bld.lib.ca.us for more information.