The Santa Fe Public Library branches closed to the public 15 months ago because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the doors will reopen once again next month to welcome members of the community back inside with some restrictions.
At 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 7, customers will be allowed back into the library.
"We have been working to update our library facilities to ensure a safe and welcoming environment," Maria Sanchez-Tucker, library director, told the New Mexico Sun. "Our goal is to protect the heath and safety of our dedicated staff and valued customers."
Sanchez-Tucker said library staff has worked through the closure to safely provide programs and services.
"The most difficult thing is not working with our customers in person. Libraries are the heart of a community and we provide a vast array [of] services beyond books and materials. We connect users with resources that improve education, quality of life and social well-being," she said. "We are most looking forward to being able to serve our library customers in person."
However, some services still won't be available including the meeting rooms and indoor book returns. Any in-person library programs will take place outdoors. The library has also asked its patrons to limit time spent inside the building to an hour or less.
"Limited seating will be available in the library with capacity requirements based on state health orders," Sanches-Tucker said. "Our phased plan will be continually updated to try to bring back more library services as it is safe to do so."
Sanchez-Tucker said whether you're vaccinated or not, the Santa Fe Public Library will require both staff and users to wear a mask while in library buildings in order to protect both library employees and the public. Currently, all New Mexicans ages 16 and older are eligible to receive the vaccine, according to the New Mexico Department of Health.
The Santa Fe Public Library has three branches, the main branch on Washington Ave., the Oliver La Farge Branch on Llano St. and the Southside Branch on Jaguar Dr. It also has a full digital offering of magazines, e-books and audiobooks. According to the library website the services are accessible on computers, tablets and smartphones.
After opening week all three branches will be open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.