The Austintown, Boardman, Canfield, East, Michael Kusalaba, Poland, Struthers and Tri-Lakes libraries will join the four which opened on July 13: Newport, Brownlee Woods, Sebring and Springfield branches.
Three libraries will remain unavailable for the time being - Main Library, Greenford and Campbell. The Main Library staff is creating a reduced-service area which will serve patrons during the renovation construction. Greenford Library is too small for adequate social distancing. And the Campbell Library will be available once the CLWCC (Community Literacy Workforce and Cultural Center), where it will be located, has opened to the public.
Library Executive Director Aimee Fifarek said, “We are so pleased to be able to welcome our patrons into our libraries throughout the county and bring back a very popular service, browsing our collection. We are asking the public to have patience during the days leading up to August 3, as this transition period may lead to some delays with phone service or curbside pickup. Our staff is gearing up to provide service and they are letting us know that they have missed being able to help our patrons with their library needs.”
Masks Required Per Governor DeWine’s Order
Masks or cloth face coverings must be worn by those using the library, including children 6 years of age and older. The Library will have masks available at no charge for those who need one. Staff will be wearing masks. Those patrons with a medical reason they cannot wear a mask or cloth face shield are advised to phone the Library in advance to talk with staff about how their library needs can be met.
Libraries that are open will have safety measures in place, such as social distancing and shields of plexiglass or similar material, spacing between computers, and reduced capacities. Services like meeting room use, lounging and reading areas, and in-library programming are still not available.
The Library is reserving the first open hour at each location each day for our senior patrons age 65 and over, as well as vulnerable patrons of any age with underlying health conditions. For in-library service, children 7 years and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian 18 years of age or older.
Brownlee Woods and Struthers Libraries Host Special Collections
Specialty services will be located in two smaller libraries in order to remain accessible to patrons throughout the Main Library construction. The Brownlee Woods branch will temporarily house materials and services for the Business Center, Jobs and Career Center, and the Grant Center. The Struthers branch will be home to the Genealogy and Local History collection and services throughout construction. Patrons should call the Library to schedule an appointment with a librarian for help with these collections.
Hours and Capacities in Libraries Beginning August 3*
Austintown: .............. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Thurs. and 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat. ............... capacity 70
Boardman: ................ 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Thurs. and 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat. ............... capacity 77
Brownlee Woods:...... 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Thurs. and 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Fri. and Sat........ capacity 19
Canfield: ................... 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Thurs. and 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat. ............... capacity 70
East: ......................... 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Thurs. and 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Fri. and Sat........ capacity 34
Michael Kusalaba:..... 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Thurs. and 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Fri. and Sat........ capacity 43
Newport: ................. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Thurs. and 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat. ............... capacity 35
Poland: ..................... 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Thurs. and 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat. ............... capacity 74
Sebring: .................... 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mon.-Thurs. and 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Fri. and Sat..... capacity 14
Springfield: ............... 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Thurs. and 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Fri. and Sat........ capacity 13
Struthers: ................. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Thurs. and 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Fri. and Sat........ capacity 24
Tri-Lakes: ................ 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Thurs. and 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Fri. and Sat........ capacity 25
* Please note that the first hour each day is reserved for seniors or those who are vulnerable due to underlying health condition.
