GREAT FALLS — The Great Falls Public Library has officially brought back their curbside service, and that’s just the first step in their gradual plan to reopen to the public. Closed since March 17, the library is doing all that they can to make sure that when they do eventually reopen fully to the public, it’s for good.
“Every staff person does a health assessment of themselves at the beginning of every shift to make sure that they haven’t been exposed and they’re not having symptoms,” said the Library’s Director Susie McIntyre. “Staff are wearing masks in shared spaces, and once we open to the public, staff that interacts with the public will continue to wear masks.”
The hope is that the library can start letting members of the public back into the building by the end of May. Management is working with City-County Health Officials to ensure that the health and safety of the library’s staff and patrons remains the top priority during the reopening process. They have installed plexiglass shields at public desks throughout the building, and compiled a collection of safety supplies, such as hand sanitizer and disinfectant.
When someone returns books via the curbside pick-up program, McIntyre has instructed the staff to err on thr side of caution. The returned books are quarantined for 72 hours, then wiped down with hospital grade disinfectant and a paper towel. Then, after they are finished drying, and they are checked back in.
For many people in Great Falls, the library being closed had a bigger impact than just missing out on books. While it may not be everyone’s ideal way of getting new reading material, you can check out audiobooks and e-books from the library virtually, through the Libby app, but books aren’t the only thing that the community has missed in the library’s absence.
“In normal times, the library is a community center. We are a place for people to come and to connect. Many people who don’t have good air conditioning in the winter come and spend a lot of time with us during the day,” McIntyre said. “I know that I have really good relationships with a lot of community members, I feel like I know them even though I’m only their librarian. It has been very hard for people. We are one of the only places in town where, if you don’t have your own device, we have computers and computer stations for people. I have heard from some people that it’s been very, very difficult for them. You don’t have internet access at home, and for some people that just don’t have computers and are trying to even apply for unemployment or fill out the census, or those other things, that can be difficult.”
The library boosted their free Wi-Fi signal to reach as far as possible. It is currently accessible from the parking lots and the plaza in front of the building every day from 5:00 A.M. until 11:00 P.M. The password is gfpl1234. Don’t worry, they told me I could share that with you.
McIntyre and the rest of the library staff don’t view themselves simply as librarians. They’re there to be your learning chaperone, your neighbor, your friend. For so many people, the library means books on shelves, but also so much more; a place to access the internet for important things like completing the Census or communicating with family members far away, a place to interact with people through mutual interests like books or chess, or simply a place to go during the day.
You can call the Great Falls Public Library Monday through Friday, 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. to renew books ask questions, place holds or schedule a curbside pickup. Their phone number is 406-453-0349. You can also place holds on books on their website.
