Opening Up Your Library:  Service and Safety During COVID

CURRENT STATUS:

The Great Falls Public Library is committed to protecting the health of our community while continuing to meet the needs of our patrons. As COVID-19 transmission in our community slows, vaccines become more available and the risks from COVID-19 are reduced, the Library will expand services.

This plan lays out the hopes of the Library staff.  Any increases in COVID-19 transmissions and increased community risk will result in adjustments to the plan.   All changes in COVID-19 precautions will follow the recommendations of the Cascade County City-County Health Department.    

CURRENT STATUS:

As of July 14 , 2021, Library COVID precautions include the following:

• Masks or other face coverings are encouraged (but not required) while inside the library.
• EXPANDING HOURS:

Starting June 28th, Library hours will expand:

OPEN TO ALL:
Monday 12:00 to 6:00 pm
Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

PICKUP WINDOW:  Monday  through Saturday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

PHONES: Monday through Saturday 9:00 am to 6:00 pm

MONTANA ROOM:  Monday through Saturday:  1:00 am to 4:00 pm

• We are having Library programing online, outside and in-person.  
• A pick-up window has been installed to provide for safe, contactless pickup of hold materials.
• Physical barriers are installed at all public desks
• Hand sanitizing stations are available in all public spaces and work areas
• Staff follow practice proper quarantine and isolation guidelines if they are exposed to or infected with COVID-19
• Furniture and computers have been arranged to promote social distancing
• WiFi signal has been boosted to allow access from the parking lot and front plaza (password: gfpl1234)
• Library return bins are available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week
• Library meeting rooms are available to the community.
• Volunteers are welcome back to the Library.

 EXPANDING HOURS:

August 23rd  Library hours will expand:

• OPEN TO ALL:
  Monday 12:00 to 6:00 pm
  Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday:  10:00 am to 8:00 pm
  Friday & Saturday:  10:00 am to 6:00 pm
• PICKUP WINDOW:  Monday  through Saturday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
• PHONES: Monday through Saturday 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
• MONTANA ROOM:  Monday through Saturday:  1:00 am to 4:00 pm

EXPANDING PROGRAMING:

As risk continues to decrease, the Library will return to providing more in-person programming.

EXPANDING COMPUTER ACCESS:

As risk continues to decrease and social distancing is no longer recommended, the Library will allow more public computers to be used by the public.

EXPANDING SEATING:

As risk continues to decrease and social distancing is no longer recommended, the Library will return furniture to allow patrons to sit in larger groups.