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This page offers all of Delaware Public Media's ongoing coverage of the COVID-19 outbreak and how it is affecting the First State. Check here regularly for the latest new and information.

Kent County Public Library moving closer to reopening

Preparations are underway to reopen the Kent County Public Library.

Kent County residents missing their trips to the library can resume them soon as the Kent County Public Library is moving closer to welcoming the public back:

 

Once Gov. John Carney gives the go ahead, the Kent County Public Library plans to reopen to the public. Kent County Library director Hilary Welliver hopes that will happen later this month.

Library employees conducted intensive cleaning of the library since it closed March 17, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

And Welliver says she sought ways to improve public confidence when handling the library’s materials.

 

“So we purchased some UV equipment that helps sanitize and sterilize our books and our AV materials (security system), as well as the hard surfaces throughout the library, including keyboards, electronics and surfaces,” Welliver said.

Welliver adds that the library’s use of curbside pickup of materials the past few months is going very well and it plans to continue that through at least October.

 

“I think that there are always going to be some people who are going to feel uncomfortable being inside a building with other people due to social distancing and COVID and other things; they feel much more comfortable with the curbside service," said Welliver.

 

When the library reopens, its schedule will be Mondays through Fridays, from 11 a.m. to noon, 2 to 3 p.m. and 4 to 5 p.m. The first hour of each day from 9 to 10 a.m. will be set aside for seniors and anyone with compromised immune systems. And masks will be required. 

 

Kelli Steele has over 30 years of experience covering news in Delaware, Baltimore, Winchester, Virginia, Phoenix, Arizona and San Diego, California.