The Osceola Library System and the county have laid out a plan to open the county’s libraries over the next two weeks.
On Wednesday, all library book drops will be open from 9-5 to allow citizens to return library materials.
On Friday, all county libraries will be offering curbside service to allow citizens to have a contactless pickup for their holds or other library materials that they have requested. The Hart Memorial (downtown Kissimmee) and Buenaventura Lakes library branches will open that day and be open to the public Monday through Friday from 9-6.
On Friday May 15, all other County library branches are scheduled to open.
There will be extra requirements in place to insure a safe environment for library users and staff:
- Face coverings for everyone over age 2 must be worn while in the libraries, and the libraries will not provide them.
- Each person may bring in one bag, which can be no larger than a normal backpack.
- Library collections will not be open for browsing. Citizens can find materials in the online catalog and request staff retrieve the resource for them.
- Children’s areas will remain closed.
- Seating will be limited to 25 percent of normal seating capacity, and due to the small capacity, library visitors are asked to complete their library visits to a two-hour period so others may enter.
Due dates have been pushed back on checked out items, and every item on hold will remain on hold until locations reopen. The libraries have been holding social media games and photo challenges after closing in March due to the coronavirus.
