Adjusting Library Services During COVID-19

By Melissa Hudson
January 20, 2021
adjusted library services, coronavirus, covid-19, pandemic

All Lexington County Public Library branches are open —offering limited in-person services such as browsing, computers by appointment and mobile printing. Our highest priority is the health and well-being of our patrons, staff and volunteers. The library is closely monitoring the latest information and guidelines provided by the CDC and DHEC and we’ll continue to evaluate services daily. We encourage the public to practice social distancing. Limited services being offered in the branches include:

Patrons are required to have temperature taken upon entering and wear a mask at all times while inside of a library facility, and masks should fully cover the nose and mouth. All library buildings are adhering to occupancy limits, so you may experience a wait before entering a branch. We encourage patrons to limit time in the building to allow more patrons to have an opportunity to use the library.

The following are also/still in effect:

Use of self-checkout
Mobile printing
Self-service copier will be available with limited staff assistance
New library card or transitioning from a temporary card
In-building pick up and check out of items placed on hold
Wi-Fi will continue to be accessible outside all branches.
In-library computer use is available by appointment. Call your local branch to schedule a time.
Loan limits on physical materials are three weeks. Overdue fines will be waived.
Digital resources are available 24/7 including ebooks audiobooks, movies, music, databases & more.
Book drops are open at all 10 library locations. All items are being quarantined for five days before they are processed, checked in and recirculated.
Curbside pick-up services are still available on a limited schedule. For details on how to use the service, as well as making an appointment, call your local branch.
Public programs and room bookings remain suspended. However, virtual programs will continue on our Facebook page and YouTube channel.
We've temporarily stopped accepting book and DVD donations.

The Library Encourages Healthy Spaces & Best Practices

Stay home if not feeling well or experiencing flu-like symptoms. Contact a doctor.
Cover mouth with a tissue, elbow or upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing. Discard used tissues immediately.
Wash hands often for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or use hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Practice social distancing. Try to keep an optimal six-foot distance from other people.
Minimize the sharing of equipment such as computers, phones and pens — when unavoidable — use sanitizing wipes between uses.