Thanks for this conversation. So many good points have been made, and I
second Jennifer's concerns. We're a small rural library, strategically
located between Belfast and Bangor.  If we were to open while they're
closed, I can imagine an influx here, even of our own town residents who
normally use one of the larger libraries.  In other times, we'd welcome the
patronage.  Now...not so sure.

I've also been thinking about how patrons use libraries, including the
wonderful luxury of browsing for pleasure--picking up a book to read the
jacket description, blurbs, or a DVD to see reviews etc.  That opens up an
entirely new set of concerns.   In grocery stores we're advised to touch
only what we plan to buy.  How will that mind-set work in our libraries?
Reserve ahead for pickup?

Andrea Stark, Director
Monroe Community Library
8 Swan Lake Ave
Monroe, ME 04951
[log in to unmask]

On Thu, Apr 30, 2020 at 12:24 PM Berry Memorial Library <
[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> Hi Nina...
>
> I wasn't going to respond, since several others have given good advice
> here....but seeing as I know the CEML Board VERY well, having been Director
> there until I moved to southern Maine last September, I guess I'll weigh
> in.
>
> Knowing the Board members there, I think some or all of them are watching
> very closely to see what Governor Mills and the Maine CDC are recommending.
> Since most of the restrictions are continuing throughout the month of May,
> I'm guessing that's what the Board will want to do, to have the Library
> continue with that. Also, if the other area libraries on the Peninsula are
> planning to remain closed for right now, I'm sure that will also be a
> factor in  Board members' thoughts/opinions on whether to re-open during
> May or remain closed.
>
> Since most of the CEML Board members are quite involved in the Deer Isle
> community, I'm guessing they have already communicated via the "social
> distancing grapevine" with a number of Library patrons about this. If a
> significant number of patrons  have communicated to Board members that they
> strongly feel the Library should re-open immediately, that may also have an
> effect on the Board's decision regarding when to re-open! I guess what I'm
> saying is that they won't be shy in letting you know what their individual
> votes on this matter might be!
>
> This decision is made easier for those public libraries who are town
> departments, since, in those cases, it is the decision of the town as to
> when their buildings and departments re-open. I know that is NOT the case
> with Chase Emerson, and so you and the Board need to make that decision
> together, and you don't need me to tell you it may be complicated.
>
> All of that said, and as you know, the month of May in Deer Isle is not
> nearly as much of an issue as June might be, if it is decided  by Gov.
> Mills and the Maine CDC to keep gatherings to 10 people or less. (I think
> it is due to increase to 50 people in June unless cases start to increase
> during May) Once the seasonal residents begin to return to the Peninsula
> for the summer months, keeping the "traffic" minimal, if it ends up being
> required, might mean doing as the grocery stores are doing, and only
> allowing a certain number of people in the door at one time.
>
> Hope this decision can be  navigated smoothly by you and the Board!
>
> Valerie
>
>
>
> On Thu, Apr 30, 2020 at 11:43 AM Chase Emerson <[log in to unmask]>
> wrote:
>
> > I certainly appreciate the time people are taking to answer.
> > I'd like to clarify though. I'm not asking for people's opinion on what I
> > should or should not do.
> > There is no point to that. This isn't my decision to make. It is my
> > Board's. (Sounds like some of you have Boards I wish I had!)
> > My message was intended to gather data in order to better inform them.
> > I want to be as prepared as possible to discuss the how and when of
> > reopening.
> > The things I said I COULD do, did not necessarily mean I thought I SHOULD
> > do them.
> > To your point Mae, I appreciated Jamie's information yesterday when I
> heard
> > him mention that concern.
> >
> > I hope that helps you all understand the intent of my original message a
> > little better.
> > If you're responses are in light of things others have said, I'd ask that
> > you make that clear :)
> >
> >
> >
> > <
> >
> http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=webmail
> > >
> > Virus-free.
> > www.avg.com
> > <
> >
> http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=webmail
> > >
> > <#m_78276418133547373_DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>
> >
> > On Thu, Apr 30, 2020 at 11:08 AM Mae Corrion <[log in to unmask]>
> > wrote:
> >
> > > Well said Jennifer, thank you.
> > >
> > > On Thu, Apr 30, 2020 at 11:01 AM Jennifer Gaenzle <
> > > [log in to unmask]>
> > > wrote:
> > >
> > > > Including the previous excellent points, the other is how will you
> > handle
> > > > any additional influx of patrons once word gets out that you are the
> > only
> > > > one open.
> > > >
> > > > And think of the burden this then puts on other rural libraries to
> > > provide
> > > > this same service or get looked down on because we stand our ground
> of
> > > > trying to keep our communities, our staff and our families safe.
> > > > I have received several phone calls less than 2 weeks ago from
> patrons
> > > > because another local library was still providing curbside pickup and
> > we
> > > > were not.
> > > > My response - "Because evidently this library cares more about the
> > health
> > > > of our community than they do. Maine State Library specifically does
> > not
> > > > recommend lending books at this time and we support that request
> > > > completely."
> > > >
> > > > Maine State Library should be the guiding light for ALL libraries no
> > > > matter your size, population or budget.
> > > > If there has EVER been a time where Librarians needed to show support
> > and
> > > > abide by the recommendations of the Maine State Library, THIS is that
> > > time!
> > > > Jenn
> > > >
> > > > Jennifer Gaenzle
> > > > Fort Fairfield Public Library Director
> > > > 339 Main Street
> > > > Fort Fairfield, ME 04742
> > > > 207-472-3880
> > > > [log in to unmask]
> > > > Website and Card Catalog – fortfairfieldlibrary.org
> > > >
> > > > -----Original Message-----
> > > > From: Maine Libraries Discussion List <[log in to unmask]> On
> > > > Behalf Of Nancy Grant
> > > > Sent: Thursday, April 30, 2020 9:54 AM
> > > > To: [log in to unmask]
> > > > Subject: Re: [MELIBS-L] small rural library conversation?
> > > >
> > > > You did not mention any policies you have in place about procedures
> for
> > > > dealing with pandemics (for topics to include:
> > > > http://www.ala.org/tools/atoz/pandemic-preparedness#Library%20topics
> )
> > > >
> > > > Or how you will handle a suit against the library from exposure to
> the
> > > > virus. IF the library is a town department, what are the town rules
> > about
> > > > use of the library and how would the town handle a suit?
> > > >
> > > > Nancy B. Grant
> > > > Maine Balsam Libraries Consortium President Retired LMS, NBCT
> > > > Dover-Foxcroft, Maine
> > > > 207-564-3098
> > > > [log in to unmask]
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > On Thu, Apr 30, 2020 at 7:54 AM Chase Emerson <
> > [log in to unmask]
> > > >
> > > > wrote:
> > > >
> > > > > Good Morning Everyone,
> > > > >
> > > > > I'm very grateful for the information in yesterday's MSL meeting,
> and
> > > > > so appreciate the MSL's willingness to keep us all in the loop!
> > > > >
> > > > > I'm going to try and just stick to the fact in an effort to stay
> > > > > respectful of your limited time.
> > > > >
> > > > > My library is in a small town in Hancock County, I'm the only
> > employee
> > > > > and rarely have more than 10 people in the building at at time
> > (except
> > > > > July and Aug, but we'll be into phase 3 by then). We are open 17
> > > hrs/wk.
> > > > >
> > > > > I need to address my Board with options re moving forward.
> > > > > They have proven to be very conservative in response to the virus.
> > > > > Most are at high-risk and some are very emotional around this
> topic.
> > > > >
> > > > > Some community members are wondering why we haven't been offering
> > > > > curbside/delivery service, and will not understand us staying
> closed
> > > > > after May 1. Some Board members believe no one should leave their
> > home
> > > > > until a vaccine is created. Now that things are moving towards
> > opening
> > > > > up, I find walking the line of respecting the individual responses
> to
> > > > > this situation is getting tricky. I don't need to stay open to
> ensure
> > > > > my income, this is about serving our patrons. People can get their
> > > > > hair done and buy cars, but the fixed income elderly that rely on
> > > > > library books and can't access digital titles have to wait. I am
> not
> > > > > in a high risk category, and count myself among those that are less
> > > > > risk averse. (I am not judging ANYONE'S response. We are
> individuals
> > > > > and get to react and process as such. I just wanted to express my
> > > > > viewpoint b/c it impacts the situation.) I have concerns about
> > > > > libraries having their own sector in the DECD plan unless there is
> > > > recognition of the vast differences among us.
> > > > >
> > > > > Here are the factors that I'm considering-- I can quarantine books
> > the
> > > > > 72 hrs that the CDC is recommending.
> > > > > I could open with controls to keep the total # in the bldg
> > appropriate
> > > > > to our space.
> > > > > I could offer delivery or curbside service that keeps risk at a
> > > minimum.
> > > > >
> > > > > I'd sure love to hear what the rest of you are thinking or
> planning.
> > > > > Any tips for navigating with BOTs over this emotional topic would
> > also
> > > > > be amazing.
> > > > > Thanks for any input you have time to give!
> > > > > Nina
> > > > > --
> > > > >
> > > > > *Nina Woodward*
> > > > > *Library Director*
> > > > > *Chase Emerson Memorial Library*
> > > > > *17 Main St., P.O. Box 9*
> > > > > *Deer Isle, ME 04627*
> > > > > *(207) 348-2899*
> > > > >
> > > > > *_______________*
> > > > > *Monday 2-6*
> > > > > *Tuesday 1-5*
> > > > > *Wednesday 10-4*
> > > > > *Saturday 9-12*
> > > > >
> > > > > <
> > > > >
> > http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&ut
> > > > > m_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=webmail
> > > > > >
> > > > > Virus-free.
> > > > > www.avg.com
> > > > > <
> > > > >
> > http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&ut
> > > > > m_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=webmail
> > > > > >
> > > > > <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > --
> > > > This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
> > > > https://www.avast.com/antivirus
> > > >
> > >
> >
> >
> > --
> >
> > *Nina Woodward*
> > *Library Director*
> > *Chase Emerson Memorial Library*
> > *17 Main St., P.O. Box 9*
> > *Deer Isle, ME 04627*
> > *(207) 348-2899*
> >
> > *_______________*
> > *Monday 2-6*
> > *Tuesday 1-5*
> > *Wednesday 10-4*
> > *Saturday 9-12*
> >
> > <
> >
> http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=webmail
> > >
> > Virus-free.
> > www.avg.com
> > <
> >
> http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=webmail
> > >
> > <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>
> >
>
>
> --
> *Valerie Messana*
> *Library Director*
> *Berry Memorial Library*
> *93 Main St.*
> *Bar Mills, ME 04004*
>


--