Beginning March 17, Newaygo Library will no longer quarantine returned materials. Also, overdue fines will continue to be waived through Sept 1.
Since mid-2020, all Lakeland Library Cooperative libraries held returned materials for 4 days in isolation as a precaution to protect against the spread of COVID-19 before returning items to circulation. “The safety of our patrons and staff has been of upmost importance throughout navigating the unknowns of Covid-19. In the beginning, we set precautions in a number of areas to protect the health of all. However, it is known that the primary method of infection is direct person-to-person via air. Isolating materials delays items from being checked back into circulation, which restricts their availability,” said Director Kelly Tinkham.
Though materials will not be quarantined, the library will continue to take precautions to protect individuals. Patrons and staff are asked to wear a face mask while inside the library facility. Occupancy limits, social distancing requirements, handwashing protocol, and use of hand sanitizer will continue to be required.