Evanston’s main library at 1703 Orrington Ave. will reopen for visitors to browse the collections, check out materials and use technology on Tuesday, Aug. 11.
Library officials say that, giving the pandemic conditions, they’ll continue to offer contact-free curbside pickup services for those who aren’t ready to enter the building.
Starting Tuesday, main library and curbside pickup hours will be 4 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and 2 to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Children under 11 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
The Robert Crown Library Branch reopened on Aug. 1. The branches on Central Street and on Chicago Avenue remain closed.
A variety of safety procedures will be in effect when the library reopens:
- Face coverings are required for person age 2 and older to enter the building.
- Your temperature will be taken at the entrance.
- All patrons must keep masks over nose and mouth at all times. (Those who do not have a mask will be given one.)
- Social distancing of at least 6 feet will be enforced.
- Equipment, tables, and chairs will be disinfected regularly.
- Use of restrooms is limited to one person or family at a time.
- Re-shelving of books by patrons is not allowed. Patrons must place any books they touch into bins provided. These materials will be quarantined for at least 4 days.
- Public meeting rooms are closed and public programs are all virtual, until further notice.
Additionally, capacity at the Main Library is limited for safety:
- Number of people allowed in the building at one time will be limited.
- Access to the library is first come, first served through the Church Street entrance.
- Visits are limited to one hour.
- Computers sessions are limited to one, one-hour session per day.
- Gathering is not allowed. Most furniture has been removed throughout the building; toys have been removed from the children’s area.
Library staff says visitors to the main library will be able to:
- Browse the collections and check out library materials.
- Register for a Library card.
- Pick up books placed on hold and check them out with no assistance in the first floor lobby.
- Use the Library’s computers, printers, copy machine, scanner, and fax machine.
- Return items at the book drops outside the Library 24 hours a day or during a curbside pickup appointment.
- Get help from a social worker by first calling 847-448-8659 for an appointment.
- Continue to receive phone assistance from Library staff at 847-448-8630.
- Service in the teen Loft is limited to browsing the collection, no computer use is available there.