By Michelle Metcalf
Communications Director
The Northern Onondaga Public Library (NOPL) is preparing for its next phase of reopening by taking steps to resume specific services that have not been available since mid-March.
Beginning Monday, July 13, all NOPL locations will offer in-person appointments for computer use. Copying, faxing, and printing will also be available by appointment, as well as notary services at NOPL Cicero.
Why reopen just for these services? “Many in our community don’t have reliable Internet access or they’re limited to using a mobile device,” says NOPL Director Amanda Travis. “Yet, they need to file unemployment claims, create and print their resumes, and submit job applications. This is an important step towards helping our community get back on its feet.”
Appointments will be for a maximum of one hour, and there are limits in place on the number of people in the library at one time. Other safety measures are also being observed. Staff members are wearing masks and disinfecting surfaces, and protective barriers have been installed.
Visitors must follow safety rules too, though. Face coverings are required, and social distancing must be observed. Food and drink are prohibited. Returned items will not be accepted inside the library during an appointment; they need to be placed in the outside book drop. Sanitizing wipes will be provided to wipe down computer stations before use as an additional precaution. Visitors must adhere to posted signs, as well as cooperate with direction and instructions from staff.
“This small step towards reopening will help us determine the safest way to move forward with our next phase — allowing patrons to browse materials,” says Travis.
Appointments can be made by calling the library and speaking with a librarian. NOPL Brewerton: 315-676-7484; NOPL Cicero: 315-699-2032; NOPL North Syracuse: 315-458-6184.
In the meantime, NOPL continues to provide other services online and by phone, such as personalized book and movie recommendations, tech assistance, and library account help. Curbside Holds Pickup is available for library materials. A robust assortment of virtual programs can be found on the library’s calendar, and NOPL’s Summer Reading Program is in full swing, with games and incentives for all ages. To learn more about any of these services, give the library a call or visit nopl.org.
