Some programming remains on hold as pandemic watched
The Morgantown Public Library System branches, including Arnettsville Public Library, Cheat Area Public Library, Clay-Battelle Public Library and Clinton District Public Library are now open for restricted public access. The Morgantown Public Library, downtown location, will follow Monday.
Though the library is taking steps to reopen its buildings, it will continue to offer curbside pickup and grab-and-go services: http://www.mympls.org/curbside-pickup-begins-today/
While the systemwide library closure since March inhibited the library from bringing people together, social distancing measures allowed the library to grow in other areas. Digital checkouts increased 58% compared to the previous year.
While ramping up its digital library, staff have also been preparing for the eventual reopening of its doors. Based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control, Monongalia Health Department and American Library Association, the Library’s Board of Directors and Library Staff Health and Safety Committee developed a phased roadmap for reopening its libraries.
The following policies are subject to change as the situation develops. Staff will continue to update the public whenever changes take place.
Locations and hours
- Arnettsville Public Library — 4120 Fairmont Road, Morgantown — offering curbside pickup and grab-and-go service. Call 304-278-2021 or visit mympls.org/ to order books. Pickup hours are noon-6 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays and noon-3 p.m. Fridays. Open public hours are 11:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays and 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Fridays.
- Cheat Area Public Library — 121 Crosby Road, Morgantown — offering curbside pickup and grab-and-go service. Call 304-594-1020 or visit mympls.org/ to order books. Pickup hours are 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Thursdays and 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturdays. Public open hours are 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays.
- Clay-Battelle Public Library — 6059 Mason-Dixon Highway, Blacksville — offering grab-and-go service. Call 304-432-8531 or visit mympls.org/ to order books. Public open hours and pickup hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays, 9 a.m.-noon Saturdays.
- Clinton District Public Library — 2005 Grafton Road, Morgantown — offering grab-and-go service. Call 304-291-0703 or visit mympls.org/ to order books. Public open hours and pickup hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesdays, 2-4 p.m. Thursdays, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Fridays, and 10 a.m.-noon Saturdays.
- Morgantown Public Library — 373 Spruce St. Morgantown — offering curbside pickup and grab-and-go service. Call 304-291-7425 or visit mympls.org/ to order books. Pickup Hours only are 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays.
- Aull Center for Local History — 351 Spruce St. — Call to make an in-person appointment at 304-292-0140. Hours are 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays-Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursdays-Fridays and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays.
Safety measures
- All library locations will open with limited occupancy allowance, all of which are determined by square footage and vary by location.
- Plexiglass barriers were erected at all branch locations.
- All incoming library materials will be subject to a 72-hour quarantine before they are recirculated.
- Furniture and computer terminals were removed or reconfigured to create more floor space and encourage social distancing.
- Staff will be required to wear masks at all times and, though not required, patrons are also strongly encouraged to wear masks.
- Libraries are operating under more frequent cleaning schedules and improved standards.
- There are now more sanitation supply provisions throughout the library and restrooms.
Facility use
- All events and programs have been suspended until further notice, including the Morgantown Public Library Friends Book Sale.
- Some branches will see a reduction in public open hours so staff can properly sanitize the facility.
- Meetings rooms are not available.
- Public computer use will be limited to 60 minutes a day.
- There will be no charges for faxes, copies or prints.
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