The lessening of COVID-19 fears and the vaccinations of volunteers is leading to the partial reopening of the city of Yachats’ library on Wednesday.
The facility has been closed to in-person visits since the pandemic began last year. It was open for reservations only for a few months this winter, then closed when coronavirus numbers in Lincoln County increased.
The City Council last week approved the re-start of the online reservation and two-day-a-week pickup program, which gives library card-holders access to any title in the collection — books, videos and books on tape.
Co-librarian Dianne Allen told the council Thursday that all library volunteers have been vaccinated and feel more comfortable with opening for curbside pickup and drop-off.
“We have enough people to re-open,” she said.
The library would be the only city facility to reopen; City Hall is closed except by appointment and the Commons has been shut for more than a year with no immediate plans by the city to reopen it. The council is scheduled to discuss reopening facilities during a special workshop Wednesday.
Community Services coordinator Heather Hoen told the council last week it would be no problem to re-start regular cleaning of the library using coronavirus protocols after volunteers use the facility.
Beginning Wednesday, the library will “open” for book pickup or returns from 1-3 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays.
Patrons can reserve material immediately, online anytime, seven days a week and will get a phone call alerting them when it’s available. The next Monday or Wednesday, they merely need to show up at the library door (masked, of course), give their name and library card, and collect their items.
People who have changed their email address, or don’t have one, can call the library between 1-3 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays to make reservations: 541-547-3741. The Yachats Library doesn’t impose fines for overdue material, but does welcome donations of cash or books during the open periods.
To make a reservation online, visit this web page or access it via the city’s website at yachatsoregon.org; select “Departments,” then “Library,” then “Library Catalog and Reservation Request.” From there, a search page will let you browse by title, author or subject. Or, you can search for something specific under “Search Text.” Be sure to select the category of your search (title, author, etc.).
To use the system online, patrons must have their email correctly on file with the library. People who have trouble completing their requests, or who have no Internet access, may call the library from 1-3 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Also last week, the City Council approved spending up to $14,000 allowing the Library Commission to find and hire architecture and library interior design companies to design a 1,300- to 1,500 square foot addition to the current building on West Seventh Street.
