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By Bernadette Roche

Chilton/Clanton Public Library director

Chilton/Clanton Public Library closure has been extended through May 15, 5 p.m. for the safety of all concerned as a precaution to the coronavirus in accordance with the timeframe set by Governor Ivey.

The library will re-open to the public beginning May 18, 8 a.m. –noon, Monday through Friday, and will operate under this schedule until further notice. The library is monitoring the situation closely and will adapt as needed to ensure safety of library staff and the community.

Beginning May 18, the library will provide special service hours for Senior Citizens 8-10 a.m., Monday-Friday, and the general public 10 -noon, Monday-Friday. The library will observe social distancing and monitor occupancy while open to the community. Entry to the library will be monitored to maintain half-occupancy, and if number of library visitors reaches half occupancy, people will be asked to use curbside service or wait to enter the building until notified.  Computer use will be limited to 45 minutes by prior appointment so that sanitation can take place between uses. Beginning May 18, the public is asked to call the library at 205-755-1768 to reserve a computer one-time. The library will not accept standing computer reservations during this time.  While in the library, the public is requested to observe 6-foot social distancing and to refrain from entering the library if coronavirus symptoms are experienced. We appreciate the community’s understanding that these adjustments are being put in place for the safety of library staff and the public.

Until the library reopens on May 18, the community can return their items to the book drop at the front entrance or renew their items online at chiltonclantonlibrary.org using their library card or by calling 205-755-1768 and leaving a message. We are closely monitoring telephone messages. All overdue late fines are being waived while the library is closed until May 18. (However, fines due to damaged or lost items are not being waived.)

Until further notice, the library meeting room is not available. New meeting room reservations will not be accepted, and all current meeting room reservations are cancelled. Public use of the library telephone will be prohibited to enable the library to maintain sanitary conditions. All Storytime programs have been cancelled until further notice. However, the library will be providing take-home craft kits for children. The library is currently making plan to conduct the Summer Reading Program virtually.

During the stay-at-home order, while schools are closed and classes are in virtual session, Chilton/Clanton Public Library wants to remind the community that the library offers free access to virtual resources that can be helpful to students to continue their studies at home. The library offers free access to Homework Alabama and a suite of electronic resources all accessible through patrons’ library accounts. Electronic resources such as Homework Alabama are provided to public libraries across the state who give our patrons access through their library accounts.
These virtual resources are made possible by Alabama Public Library Service with funding from Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Homework Alabama, for instance, is an online tutoring program available to students in 4th grade and above. Students have access to live tutors who are qualified to assist students in a variety of subjects. To visit Homework Alabama, navigate to chiltonclantonlibrary.org, click the “Login/Search Catalog” button in the upper right corner of the home page.  http://www.homeworkalabama.org/

For the latest news and updates, please follow the library online at chiltonclantonlibrary.org/ or like us on Facebook.

Stay safe everyone!