Welcome back! Libraries reopen to the public!

The Allegany County Library System will welcome library users back into the library buildings with modifications to library operations as part of Phase 4 of the library reopening plan.  The library’s phased plan has progressed in accordance with the safety and health guidelines set by the State of Maryland and ongoing assessments of library staffing, facilities, resources, and supplies.

The Frostburg, George’s Creek, South Cumberland, Washington Street, and Westernport Libraries will open from 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM Monday through Thursday.  As per the Governor’s Order, masks are required for all users over the age of 5 and we ask that you refrain from entering the library if you or a household member is sick.  The library buildings will be limited to a fifteen (15) patron limit and one (1) hour visit.

Available services vary by location, but library users will be able to browse adult material, pick up holds, return items to the bookdrop, use the public computers, printers, and copier machines, as well as access the public WiFi at all reopening libraries.  As a reminder, the LaVale Library will not be reopening due to its scheduled renovations. 

Enhanced safety measures have led to these temporarily modified services and policies including, but not limited to:

• Children’s rooms will be closed at the Washington Street and South Cumberland libraries.
• Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by and stay with a parent, guardian, or caregiver at least 16 years of age at all times while in the library.
• All returned and out-of-county material will continue to be quarantined for at least 2 days.
• Staff assistance is NOT available for the public computers or copiers. If you will need assistance, please bring someone with you.
• Community meeting rooms are closed to the public.
• Public restrooms are closed to the public.

The Allegany County Library System understands that this is an unprecedented and difficult time for many. We have taken the following steps to help remove barriers as much as possible to provide access to information and library services:

• Sidewalk pickup may be available for users who require accommodation as our resources allow. Please call your library to check for information, fill out the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form online or print a copy and return it to your library.
• Circulation system fines and fees will not be charged until April 1, 2021.
• Previously, library users with a fine balance over $7 were not able to check-out physical library materials. Starting March 1, the fine limit will be raised to $20, allowing for more library users to access physical library material.
• All library users, regardless of fine balance will continue to be able to access digital collections and resources.
• We will temporarily waive the out of state library card fee of $10.
• We will temporarily waive the replacement card fee of $1.
• Library computer users will temporarily be able to print up to 2 black and white pages per day at no charge.

The Allegany County Library System is committed to ensuring the health and safety of our patrons, staff, and community. We have implemented these enhanced safety measures for Phase 4 of library reopening:

• Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the open areas of the library.
• Facilities will continue to be disinfected and cleaned on a nightly basis.
• Library staff will continue to clean and disinfect “high touch” areas, such as door knobs and handles, hourly during operating hours.
• Masks will be provided for those without one wishing to enter the library.
• Library users will have access to cleaning supplies to disinfect public computer stations before and after sessions.
• Public computers will have keyboard covers that will be changed hourly.
• Library staff will disinfect the photocopier hourly.
• The Allegany County Library System has taken the Mountain Maryland Pledge to Prevent to demonstrate our shared commitment to the health and wellbeing of our employees, patrons, and the community.

The Allegany County Library System is using guidelines from the CDC, the State of Maryland, and the Allegany County Health Department. Even as we follow these guidelines, as a public space and service we cannot guarantee a risk-free environment. Using the library service is your decision based on the needs of you and your family. For anyone not comfortable using the library’s physical materials, digital collections are available at www.alleganycountylibrary.info/ebooksandmore.

These hours and services are subject to change as library administration continues to assess library staffing, facilities, resources, and supplies as well as local health statistics related to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Please visit our website at www.alleganycountylibrary.info/coronavirus for the latest information and updates about library operations and reopening plans.