The Boyle County Public Library is pleased to announce that access to its public computers will resume on Monday, June 15. In addition to public computer access, notary and faxing services resumed this week. All of these services will be available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. 

“Access to computers and the internet is one of the essential services the library provides,” says Library Director Georgia de Araujo. “We’re happy to be able to offer computer access again in a way that is safe and that serves as many people as possible under the coronavirus social distancing requirements.”

The public computers located on the fifth level of the library will be available to patrons on a limited first-come, first-served basis due to building capacity limitations. When entering the library, patrons will need to check in with staff to select an available block of computer time in the rotunda. 

To allow more patrons access, the computer sessions will initially be limited to one hour. If a computer is not currently available, the patron will select an open time, leave the building, and then return to the library at their selected time. At the reserved time, the patron will proceed to the fifth level and sign in with library staff at the Computer Desk. The patron will sign out after completing their session.

There are a limited number of computers available at any given time, therefore sessions may be limited to a single time block. Assistance at the public computers will be available but limited due to maintaining social distance. Computer stations will be sanitized after each session, and hand sanitizer will be available for patrons to use.

Faxing services are available on a walk-in basis. Library staff will be stationed in the rotunda and will assist patrons needing this service. Notary services are available by appointment. Anyone needing a document notarized will need to call (859) 238-7323 or email library@boylepublib.org to make an appointment.

Library staff will be following the “Healthy at Work” guidelines and will be wearing facemasks on-site. The library encourages patrons entering the building to wear masks as well, if able to do so. A supply of disposable masks will be available at the library’s entrance for patrons to use as needed.

Upon entering the library, patrons will find that the interior of the building looks different than it did a few months ago. A new traffic flow has been established, and signage will direct patrons where they need to go. Patrons are expected to maintain six feet social distance from one another and staff at all times. 

“As the library continues to phase into reopening, our primary focus is on the safety and wellbeing of both our staff and patrons,” says Public Services Librarian Caleb Conover. “We appreciate your understanding in abiding by these changes and the requirements placed upon us to ensure the health of those who enter our facility. While things may look different inside, we still strive to provide the resources, professionalism, and service that you have come to know and expect from your public library.”

In addition to these on-site public services, curbside pickup service is available Tuesday through Friday. Patrons wanting to check out new materials will need to contact the library on those days between 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. either by phone: (859) 238-7323 or by email: library@boylepublib.org. Most items will be available for same-day pickup between 2 – 5 p.m. More information about this service can be found online at boylepublib.org/curbside-pickup.

The library also offers numerous online resources including a robust digital library collection. Anyone with questions about current library services or needing help accessing online resources may contact the library Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. via phone or email, or via Facebook Messenger at facebook.com/boylepublib. Patrons can also reach specific departments through the library’s website by using the dropdown menu available on boylepublib.org/contact-us.