COVID-19 has had a dramatic impact on all of our lives. Your Skaneateles Library is working to offer a range of online options to meet our mission of inspiring learning, enriching lives, and connecting our community. We are grateful to our staff who continue to work daily to fulfill our mission in these challenging times.
As a result of the pandemic, we regret to announce the cancellation of our annual Summer Book Sale. While we will all miss this popular community event, we must prioritize the health and safety of our volunteers, our staff and our many loyal supporters and patrons. We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the dedicated volunteers who have worked all year long sorting books in the library’s basement to prepare for the sale and we’re looking forward to next year. Unfortunately, we are also not able to accept book donations until further notice.
While we plan and prepare for the time when we’ll again be able to welcome our community members into the library building, we encourage everyone to take advantage of the many great services and programs available on our website skanlibrary.org. Several traditional programs like children’s story time, book clubs, and lectures are now available virtually. We have expanded our digital resources for borrowing ebooks and audiobooks, viewing movies, documentaries, and lectures, learning a language, researching information, taking art and crafting classes, and even listening to music. Community members can also access helpful information regarding COVID-19, NYS reopening, voting, and other timely topics.
All you need to access these great services and programs is your library card. If you don’t have one yet, we would love to provide you with one electronically. You can always call us at 315-685-5135 or email us at help@skanlibrary.org and a staff member will be happy to help.
Our board of trustees continues to explore locations and the fundraising necessary to support our new library. As we develop this bold plan, we will take into account the design necessary to keep our patrons safe and proactively include space utilization concepts that reduce health risks to our staff and community.
During the shutdown, work has been underway in the library building to prepare for the new normal upon reopening. We are working to install plexiglass shields, accommodate social distancing requirements, enhance cleaning protocols, and also embark on building repairs. Guidelines will be published on the library’s website ahead of reopening. We ask that all library patrons strictly follow the guidelines in order to keep everyone safe.
We are planning a phased reopening process. Phase One will include curbside pickup, similar to how local restaurants have been operating. This plan is being developed and will be announced as state guidance is provided.
Please remember that your library exists to support you and connect our community. We will continue to work hard to bring you programs and services, just as we work closely with fellow Onondaga County libraries to prepare for a safe reopening. While Syracuse city libraries will begin providing some curbside services on May 26, suburban libraries are still waiting for input from the state for a reopening timeline. We will provide ongoing updates as they become available.
Stay safe. Be well.
Dave Hempson
President
Skaneateles Library Association Board of Trustees