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ImagineIF libraries return to full-time hours May 3

| April 23, 2021 12:00 AM

ImagineIF libraries will return to full open hours at all locations starting May 3. Safety measures are still in place to provide a reasonably safe work environment for staff while providing the most access to taxpayers, including:

• social distancing signage and floor markings

• hand sanitizing

• frequently sanitizing high touch surfaces

The library’s 30-minute time limit has been removed and patrons may stay longer while practicing social distancing. Curbside pickup will continue and will be available during all open hours and at all locations. The library’s personal shopper service remains available, but patrons may experience delays as library staff begin helping more in-person patrons.

Patrons are required to wear a mask and one-hour computer sessions are now available at each location.

By implementing enhanced safety measures and design accommodations to meet the community’s needs, like curbside pickup and take-and-make kits, the library has been able to keep its doors open to in-person traffic during the pandemic, while many other libraries statewide could not do the same, a press release from the library stated.

Looking toward the future, the library may need to phase out these services as more people return to services inside the building because resources do not allow for full pre-pandemic services and accommodations simultaneously. The library’s mask restriction may be lifted sooner than June 1 as library director Connie Behe continues to monitor local information, the release noted.

Kids, teens and adults can enjoy take-home kits available for pickup at all ImagineIF locations through May and to a new Summer Experience Program in June. In addition to Summer Experience kits, ImagineIF is planning in-person outdoor early literacy classes throughout the summer in Kalispell, Columbia Falls and Bigfork.

To find out more about the library’s services and hours of operation, go to imagineiflibraries.org or call 758-5820.

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