FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 27, 2020. CONTACT: Rita Shacklett, rshacklett@rclstn.org
The Rutherford County Library System (RCLS) Board of Directors voted to approve reopening all RCLS branch libraries beginning Monday, June 1, under Phase Two of their safety protocols enacted due to the continued COVID-19 crisis.
Phase Two includes both reduced schedules for libraries and extensive safety protocols within the facilities, the most important of which is to refrain from entering one of the RCLS libraries if you feel sick or think you may have COVID-19.
Please note the branch libraries will be running on the following schedule, with the first hour of their business day dedicated to Seniors (65+):
Linebaugh (Main Branch): 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Linebaugh will be closed on Sunday during Phase Two.
Smyrna Public Library: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
NOTE: Both Linebaugh and Smyrna branches will be serving as Summer Feeding locations beginning June 1. Take-out lunches will be available at Linebaugh from 10:30 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. and Smyrna from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. There will be no eating in the library this year.
MGL in Patterson Park: 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Eagleville Bicentennial Public Library: 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday (The Eagleville Branch will now be open on Wednesdays as well); 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Saturdays.
Technology Engagement Center (TEC): 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, (Closed Sundays during Phase Two)
RCLS Bookmobile: During Phase Two the Bookmobile will serve as a free Wi-Fi hotspot and mobile branch at these locations and times:
Monday: Barfield Crescent Park 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday: Sports*Com 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Wednesday: Lee Victory Park 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Thursday: Hop Springs 1 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
During Phase Two, libraries will return to the regular checkout schedule for materials with accompanying fines for late fees. Curbside service will continue at most branches, though perhaps on a modified schedule. Call your local branch for additional information.
Director of Libraries, Rita Shacklett, shares: “During these trying times, we know not everyone will feel comfortable about our decision to reopen. Curbside services will continue to be available for anyone who feels ill at ease about coming into their library. Please know that staff have worked hard to do our part in providing safe spaces that will help in the mitigation of this virus, and we know our patrons will do their part to be patient and understanding during this time.”
RCLS staff will be wearing masks when working with the public. Sneeze guards have been installed at service desks, and public computers have been separated to comply with social distancing guidelines. All branches will be limited to 50% occupancy during Phase Two. Patrons are encouraged to wear masks, wash their hands before and after coming into the library and maintain the appropriate six feet in social distance from others. Libraries will look different, with limited seating and added restrictions in certain areas.
There will be no public or group events in June at any of our libraries, while some meeting rooms may be available with capacity limitations. The RCLS Summer Reading Program is underway with online system-wide sign-up. Programming will be virtual.
For this and more information, please visit our website at rclstn.org or call your local branch.
Linebaugh Public Library is located at 105 W. Vine St. in Murfreesboro. Smyrna Public Library is located at 400 Enon Springs Rd. West in Smyrna. Eagleville Bicentennial Public Library is located at 317 Hwy 99E in Eagleville. MGL Library is located inside Patterson Park Community Center at 521 Mercury Blvd. in Murfreesboro. The Technology Engagement Center is located at 306 Minerva Drive. Explore, Imagine, Engage through RCLS. For more information, call 615-893-4131 or visit www.rclstn.org.
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