By Gretchen McPherson
Ledger Staff
Libraries slowly opening in area
COVID-19 restrictions will be applied
May 21, 2020
Most area libraries have opened or remain open and offer patrons access, although certain social distancing guidelines according to state and local health official are still in place during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Atmore
The Atmore Public Library is open with some restrictions: curbside pick up/drop off is available; safe distancing of 6 feet will be strictly enforced; 10 people will be allowed in the library at one time; five computers are available for the public for 30 minutes per day; children are not allowed to roam freely or unsupervised; anyone under 16 must have a parent or guardian present; newspapers and magazines will not be available and public seating areas are closed. For more information call 251-368-5234.
Brewton
Brewton Library is still closed and there is not currently a date it is scheduled to open. Go to the library Facebook page to access free distance learning ebooks through June 2020 by clicking the links.
Century
The West Florida Public Library System, which includes Century Public Library, is implementing phased approaches to reopening that is in compliance with orders from local and state officials.
The Century Library will cease fines until further notice. We still encourage patrons to return their library materials at drop boxes located outside WFPL library branches.
Returned library materials will be cleaned and held in isolation for 7 days based on new guidance provided by Department of Homeland Security. Visit http://www.dhs.gov/news-releases/press-releases to view the May 13 press release. Anyone who received a hold notice should wait seven days before contacting a local branch for pickup availability, unless they are directly contacted by library staff that their hold has passed the quarantine period and is ready for pickup. Meeting room reservations are canceled through Sunday, Aug. 30. If you have questions regarding holds placed on library materials, or anyone who needs to reschedule a reservation for a meeting room, contact Century Branch Library, located at 7991 N. Century Blvd at 850-256-6217. Hours are Tuesday through Friday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Meeting rooms may still be used for library and government programs.
Please check the website at mywfpl.com and social media channels for further updates.
Flomaton
The Flomaton Public Library is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays with restrictions.
The library will limit the number of patrons inside to 15 at a time. Eight computers will be available to the public with a limit of using them one hour per day. Persons brining their own personal computer will be limited to two hours per day.
The staff also reminds everyone to use social distancing while inside the library.
Jay
The Santa Rosa County Library System includes the Jay Library, located at 5259 Booker Lane in Jay.
Beginning Friday, May 22, patrons should call to make reservations for the following week. For details or to make a reservation, call Jay library at 850-981-7323.
Starting Tuesday, May 26, libraries will open for computer use only, with reservations made in advance. Sessions are limited to one hour and will not be extended.
On Monday, June 1, libraries will be open to the public for browsing and computer use. Advanced computer reservations are still required. All library meeting rooms remain closed until further notice.
To encourage social distancing, a limited number of patrons will be allowed inside at one time.
Masks are encouraged. Curbside pickup will still be available; patrons are encouraged to continue using this service.
Jay Library's temporary hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Saturday and Sunday.
For summer reading, imagine your story with summer reading programs for the entire family. All programs will be online and will begin Monday, June 1. Registration will begin Tuesday, May 26.
For more details or to register, visit the library's summer reading page at https://www.santarosa.fl.gov/737/Summer-Reading or contact 850-981-7323.
