The coronavirus has affected the Rehoboth Beach Public Library operations, as it has the rest of society. The library suspended public operations in mid-March and resumed limited operations in mid-June.
While the public operations were restricted, library staff worked to inventory and re-organize how the collection is arranged, continued their online training sessions, researched available independent funding sources, set aside space in the large meeting room to decontaminate books and media, and exchanged operational and planning ideas with other Delaware library staff. In addition, fines for delinquent materials were suspended to Sept. 7.
During the restrictions, digital library services were still available. Patrons were able to reserve materials for later pickup, reserve and download books to their Kindles and other e-books, register and participate in on-line programs, download movies through the Hoopla app on tablets, phones and smart TVs.
Library Wi-Fi internet services were also available in an expanded area around the library building.
In mid-June, limited public operations began three days a week between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. When materials reserved by patrons were available for pickup, patrons were notified and asked to call the library to arrange contactless pickup either outside the front door or from their car in the rear parking lot.
When patrons arrived, they called the staff who brought the materials to the front door or to the parking lot where they were dropped in the trunk.
On Aug. 1, the services were expanded to Monday through Friday between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Additional information is available at www.rehobothlibrary.org. The board and staff of your public library thank you for your understanding and cooperation during these difficult times. We look forward to future expanded operations, consistent with good practices and Gov. Carney’s direction.
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