Browsing and Computer Use Are Coming Back to Heights Libraries

Heights Libraries is pleased to announce it will be expanding services in its four buildings in September to include browsing and limited computer use. Computer use will begin Tuesday, September 15, and browsing will begin the following week, Tuesday September 22.

Due to COVID-19, however, computer use and browsing will look different due to safeguards in place to keep customers and staff as safe as possible. Click here for a list of frequently asked questions.

Computer use will require a reservation, and reservations may only be made by phone–walk-ups and online reservations are not available at this time. Computer use will also now require a library card—guest passes will not be available. Customers may make a reservation by calling any branch, starting September 10 at 1:30 p.m. Use is limited to one computer session per day, and sessions last for 45 minutes. Click here for full details.

Browsing will be permitted in all sections–Adult, Teen, and Children’s—but customers will be asked to stay only as long as they need to get their materials. To achieve safe social distancing, the Library is limiting the number of customers in the buildings, and has removed chairs and tables to discourage lingering. If a staff member thinks an area is too crowded, they will ask customers to move along so that others may enter the building. Reference staff will be at reference desks again, but will assist customers from behind Plexiglas barriers.

Per the State of Ohio’s Statewide Mask Order, customers must wear facemasks at all times, and keep six feet of distance from staff and other customers at all times. Facemasks must cover both nose and mouth, and be in place for the duration of the visit. Faceshields may not be worn in place of facemasks.

Study rooms and meeting rooms will remain closed until further notice, as will the children’s play areas.

“We are so happy to welcome customers back, and we have worked very hard to do so safely,” said Heights Libraries Director Nancy Levin. “Services look very different now. While we can’t yet welcome the community to spend time in our buildings, we still offer free access to computers, books, music, and DVDs, and all kinds of information is available on our website and through our reference staff.”

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