Cobb libraries reopening update: Book drops available Tuesday

Mountain View Regional Library

Earlier this week we noted that a very gradual, phased-in reopening plan was announced by Cobb County government, including public libraries, and today more details have been revealed.

Starting Tuesday, you’ll be able to use the book drops at all branches but the main Switzer branch in downtown Marietta and Windy Hill library.

Then, in June, seven branches will be open for curbside pickup of books and other materials that are on reserved holds.

They include the Mountain View Regional Library (above), the East Cobb Library and the Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Center.

Later in June, they’ll be among the seven branches designated to reopen to public access inside, but a specific date hasn’t been announced.

When they do open, it still won’t be “complete, unlimited public access” to the libraries, according to information the library system issued Wednesday afternoon:

“Like area restaurants offering grab-and-go take-out service, library patrons will be directed to limit visits for checking out items at the libraries during the limited services phase.
“The next time library visitors greet Cobb librarians and library workers, officials said, they should be prepared to see the staff wearing personal protection equipment (PPE), including face masks and more.”

Also on Tuesday, library staff will return to work to prepare the branches (including rearranging furniture to meet social distancing guidelines), undergo safety training and quarantining returned items in the book drops.

Those items will be quarantined for a few days before they are processed for circulation, so patrons may see them remaining on their accounts until that processing is complete. The library system has been working with Cobb and Douglas Public Health to establish safety protocols.

One other item to note: No late fees will be charged for materials that were due before the system closed in mid-March.

But if you have materials still out from that time, the due date has been extended to next Sunday, May 31.

Said Helen Poyer, the Cobb library system director:

“We will rely on everyone’s understanding and patience as we work together through the challenging, and complex, demands on all of us as we work toward expanding operations again. You can count on Cobb library workers to serve as vital ‘second responder’ heroes with all community helpers.”

More updates on reopening at www.cobbcat.org and 770-528-2320.

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