UTICA, N.Y. - The Utica Public Library reopened their doors on Monday with a lot of changes to protect the safety of the public and staff.
The library is now taking appointments for several indoor services.
There is curbside pickup of library materials from 10 AM to 2 PM or until last scheduled before 4 PM via phone, online, or website.
Faxing, photocopying, scanning for patrons and notary service when notary available will be by appointment via phone or online
Entry into the building is by appointment only.
All visitors must have a face covering that fully covers their mouth and nose in order to enter the library and it must be worn while in the building.
Six adult computer and four youth computer appointments are available for 45 minute appointments only between 10 AM and 2 PM.
No more than six people are allowed into the Children’s Room at any time.
The ADA family restroom in the Children’s Room is available for emergency use by children in room and public restrooms will be closed.
All visitors must enter via The Park Avenue Tunnel Entrance which is monitored by staff.
All visitors must exit via the Genesee Street Entrance.
Limited outside services such as outdoor materials browsing, story times, and projects with local community partners are expected to start in this phase.
According to the director of the library, Chris Sagaas, if you don't know what you are looking for, they started a grab bag pick-up.
They will ask what you like and put a bag together for you.
He says walk-ins will be accepted if the visitor doesn't have access to making an appointment online or by phone.
“If someone doesn’t have an appointment, they can just walk up to the back door, ring the doorbell and there’s a staff person who will come out and answer the door," Sagaas said. "We’ve set aside spaces for people who just need something.”
If you’d like to schedule an appointment, you can call (315) 735-2279, or fill out an online request form.
The library is open Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM.