Lincoln Branch Library to reopen with limitations

The Lincoln Branch Library will be open June 22for browsing Monday-Wednesday from 3-6 p.m. and Thursday – Saturday from noon-3 p.m.

One individual or family of up to three will be allowed in the building at a time. Curbside holds pickup and Library Pack pickup will also be offered during these times. Patrons will be able to make an appointment to use a public computer for 30 minutes but must make an appointment 24 hours in advance.

"One computer will be available for two 30 minute appointments Monday-Saturday. Appointments are Monday -Wednesday, 2:15 and 6:15 p.m., and Thur-Sat, 11:15 and 3:15 p.m." explained Branch Librarian Kate Radford. The following library resources will be unavailable during this stage of reopening: The community room, reading nook, children's play space, teen zone, and certain circulating materials, such as puppets.

Patrons will be required to wear masks when visiting the library (these will be provided or patrons may use their own masks). Social distancing measures will be adhered to while patrons are in the library.

Under the guidance of the Lewis & Clark Library Board and in line with Governor Bullock's Reopening of the Big Sky plan, the Lewis & Clark Library will begin a phased reopening at the Capitol, Augusta, East Helena, and Lincoln Branches.

The Bookmobile began a limited summer schedule on June 1st.

Lewis & Clark Library Director John Finn explained the decision to reopen the Branch Libraries comes after careful consideration of staff and public safety, as well as the ability to procure and maintain necessary PPE supplies. "The Branch Librarians, with the cooperation of the leadership team, made preparations for a safe and measured reopening of services at each branch location. The Libraries will provide limited and monitored in-person access to some materials while adhering to social distancing protocols."

Each of the Branch libraries will, based on physical size and space limitations, limit the number of patrons allowed in the buildings and will require all patrons to wear a face mask. Finn explained this is for staff as well as public safety. "Everyone's safety and health is our top priority."

In addition, the Library will continue to quarantine returned items to ensure that all library materials are disinfected before being checked back out into the community.

"All of us are excited to see our patrons again in person. The demand for curbside holds has only reinforced how hungry our communities are for words, ideas, art, and entertainment," Finn said He hopes this is a first step towards a full return to services.

Due to the different physical layouts of each location, each branch will have a different set of protocols. Services and hours at each of the Branches will be

Lincoln Branch, 102 9th Avenue S., Lincoln, MT

While library staff is excited to see patrons back in the library, Finn reminds everyone that if they are sick, please stay home. "The limited use of the Branch libraries can change at anytime, we will continue to monitor the situation and keep patrons informed of any and all changes to services."

For those patrons not able to access one of the Branch Libraries, the Lewis & Clark Library online resources and services are still available at http://www.lclibrary.org.