The Library Spotlight
Important Events and Programs
Public Health Emergency Response Plan
Date: March 11, 2020
Contact: A. Issac Pulver, Director
Saratoga Springs Public Library Responds to Public Health Emergency
At its regular meeting on March 9, Saratoga Springs Public Library's Board of Trustees approved a "Public Health Emergency Response Plan" that, among other things, outlines actions that the library might take in a pandemic, from cancelling programs and meetings, to reducing hours, to temporary closure.
“We are aware that there is widespread anxiety about COVID-19, especially now that two cases have been reported in Saratoga County,” said Library Director, Issac Pulver. “We are frequently disinfecting surfaces such as desks, tables, handrails, toys, and computer keyboards; providing hand sanitizer and frequently refilling soap dispensers throughout the building; and implementing social distancing measures such as removing seating from the public computing area in order to provide extra space between patrons.”
Effective immediately, the following steps are in place:
- There is a moratorium on food and refreshments at library-sponsored programs, in order to prevent the possibility of people touching shared snacks/drinks, then touching their mouths. Most food-related programs have been cancelled.
- If any Saratoga Springs City School District school closes for an epidemic/pandemic related reason, all library programs and meeting room bookings will be cancelled, and the Treehouse Room preschool play area will be closed, to reduce the temptation for people who are meant to sequester at home to come out to the library.
- If we are required by public health officials to close, we will suspend due dates and late fees.
Other safety measures in place include:
- Borrowers are directed to place all returns in the book drop.
- Staff are handling returned materials with gloves.
- Patrons are asked to scan their own library cards, or keep them in their hands for scanning, at checkout.
“We encourage everyone, patrons and staff alike, who is feeling unwell to stay home and to practice the advice given by the CDC to wash your hands frequently and try not to touch your face,” said Pulver. “We also encourage people planning to attend library programs to check the events calendar on the library’s website frequently, as this is an evolving situation and some program presenters, such as our therapy dog handlers, have canceled, and some library outreach visits, particularly to seniors, have been cancelled by our hosts.”
A link to the full Public Health Emergency Response Plan can be found on the Library’s website at https://www.sspl.org/about/policies/health_emergency_response/
Library Closed
Location: Saratoga Springs Public Library
THE LIBRARY IS CURRENTLY CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE IN ACCORDANCE TO LOCAL AND STATE RECOMMENDATIONS AND MANDATES.
In the interim, please refer to our website at www.sspl.org, and our social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for updates and resources. SSPL is committed to keeping our community INFORMED, INSPIRED, and ENTERTAINED during the library closure.
