Re-Opening

Where do things stand with re-opening?

We have been able to take and fulfill requests for holds for materials since May 26th, and beginning March 1st, 2021 the public will be able to enter the library building with limitations in place.

What are the days/hours you are open? Do I need to do anything before coming to the library?

The building is staffed for services to the public from 10 am – 2 pm Monday-Saturday. We also offer evening hours from 4 pm – 6 pm on Tuesday and Thursdays. We will limit the number of people in the building to a maximum of five (in addition to staff) and time in the library will be limited to half an hour. To ensure that you will be able to enter the library at the time you wish to come, it is recommended that you make an appointment to ensure space is available by calling 570-888-2256 or emailing sayre.library@gmail.com. Walk-ins will be accepted up to the maximum of five people, but those who have scheduled appointments are given priority. Entry into the library from 10 am – 12 pm on Tuesdays will be by appointment only, to serve those in vulnerable populations.

In order to comply with state mandates, and to protect the health and safety of our staff and patrons, all who enter the library must wear a mask or face covering and should stay at least six feet apart from other people in the library. For those patrons unable to wear a mask, we will continue to offer ways to access materials, both electronically and through delivery of physical materials, outside of the library building.

What services will or won’t be available?

Book browsing and computer sign-outs will be available to the public. In order to comply with social distancing requirements, the number of public computers available will be limited to two. Wireless internet is available to use with personal devices. Printing, copying, scanning and faxing services are also available. Members of the public who enter the library will be limited to half an hour total in the library – if you think that you will need a computer for longer than half an hour (to fill out an online job application or to file taxes, for example) please notify the staff when making your appointment to ensure availability. Inter-library loans have resumed and requests can be made in person, online, or by phone. Currently, we are suspending access to our physical copies of newspapers and magazines for the safety of our staff and community members. Both The Daily Review and The Morning Times are available through the NewsBank tab on our website to current library card holders. Currently, the library has books on display for sale and free taking.

Can I still request and place a hold on materials for pick-up?

Yes, pick-up in the library vestibule or at the circulation desk will still be available.

Our online catalog may be accessed at https://sayre.biblionix.com/catalog/ to see what titles are available. Titles may be requested in 3 ways:

1. Log in to your account using the boxes at the upper right screen. You will need your full account number (found on your library card) and your password is the phone number that is on your account. Once you are logged in, choose the “My Account” button. You may then search the catalog for your favorite authors or titles, or you can check out our newest and most popular titles in the box on the right side of the catalog home screen. To reserve a title, go to the book’s record and select the box at the top left above the record that reads “Reserve This Item.” If that item is available, a notification will go to the staff to let them know that you have requested it and that it should be pulled from the shelf and prepared for check out. If the item is currently checked out, you will be placed on the Holds list for that item.
2. You may email the library sayre.library@gmail.com to request titles
3. You may call the library at 570-888-2256 to request titles

What safety precautions are being taken in regard to the library and library materials?

For the safety of our staff and the public, all returned library materials must be returned through the exterior book drop, located on the Elmer Street side of the building, where they are then quarantined for a minimum of 72 hours before being returned to the collection. The circulation desk will only be able to be accessed from the front, where there are Plexiglass shields in place. All who enter the library building must first check in at the circulation desk. Computers will have keyboard shields that will be switched out and sanitized between usages. High touch surfaces will be cleaned on a regular basis.

Will there be any changes to due dates or fines?

All materials (books and DVDs) will be given a 2-week loan period. We will continue to use an auto-renew system, which will automatically renew materials for another 2 weeks, provided there are no reserves on the materials that are checked out. No fines have been given since our closure and we will continue to not have fines during this time.

How many items am I allowed to check out at a time?

At this time, there will be a maximum of 10 items out per library account.

Can children come in to the library?

Children can come into the library. They do count toward the maximum of five, so please mention how many people will be in your party when you call to make your appointment. All children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult at this time. Please be aware that for the health and safety of our youngest patrons, we have put away all toys, puzzles, blocks, and games at this time, and our children’s room will be blocked off, although all children’s books will be accessible.

Am I able to bring in used books or holiday items to donate for your sales yet?

For the safety of our staff and because of storage limitations, we are not taking donations at this time.

Will you be starting adult and children’s programs again?

We have a number of virtual programs for adults and children that we will be offering throughout the summer, including our popular Summer Reading Program. The calendar of offerings will be available on our website, our Facebook page and The Morning Times. There will continue to be no face-to-face programs offered during this time.

Where can I get the latest information on any changes to these operations?

We will be posting any updates to our website, sayrepl.org and our Facebook page, and we will continue to share communications with news media. Any specific questions or concerns can always be directed to us by phone 570-888-2256 or via email sayre.library@gmail.com