DCPL Libraries unsafe?

[Anonymous]

Washington Post has an article today, July 24, quoting librarians saying library protocols (like cleaning between 2-3 PM) are not being followed. Also, colleague contact tracing of possibly sick librarians. Details like this do not bode well for any city management of school re-openings.

We have been using the library a lot to check out books, especially needed with potential long-term school closures. Unclear why any other patronage (45 minutes on computers, use of bathrooms) is being allowed at this time. The library could simply do curbside book exchange and call it a day.

[Anonymous]

Please write to the library and to your city council member to let them know how you feel. I have several friends who work for the DCPL and I know that they feel that the library admin and the mayor pushed for reopening the buildings too soon. Most other library systems in major urban areas are still doing just curbside. Also, its ridiculous that the library system didn't want to publicly announce that a staff member had tested positive. That put the whole community they are trying to serve at risk.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2020/07/23/librarians-alarmed-about-coronavirus-safety-dcs-reopened-public-libraries/

https://www.dclibrary.org/contact

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Please write to the library and to your city council member to let them know how you feel. I have several friends who work for the DCPL and I know that they feel that the library admin and the mayor pushed for reopening the buildings too soon. Most other library systems in major urban areas are still doing just curbside. Also, its ridiculous that the library system didn't want to publicly announce that a staff member had tested positive. That put the whole community they are trying to serve at risk.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2020/07/23/librarians-alarmed-about-coronavirus-safety-dcs-reopened-public-libraries/

https://www.dclibrary.org/contact

I'm sorry to hear that. There is nothing worse than getting set up to fail (or get sick). I especially chuckled (not in a mean way, but worth an eyeroll) over the supposed 2-3 PM cleaning protocol that they aren't hiring and paying janitors to do. In that case, why claim to employees and the public that it's a thing? This as we have watched school re-opening planning all summer, with similar promises. If DCPL can't do it, DCPS certainly can't (I'm a former DCPS teacher). I am all for limited curbside service. We are in a global pandemic and prioritizing the core service of safe book flow makes sense.

[Anonymous]

I will also write that in addition to limiting library services to curbside, the library staff could be afforded materials, time and support do a deep cleaning without clientele inside. I have been wiping down library books and the grime is ridiculous.

[Anonymous]

How can you open libraries in the midst of a pandemic when they are de facto homeless shelters?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How can you open libraries in the midst of a pandemic when they are de facto homeless shelters?

I would stick to their original function--to collect and distribute books, curbside--and keep the libraries closed except to librarians.

[Anonymous]

Libraries are essentially homeless shelters. So they are pretty high risk for Covid

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How can you open libraries in the midst of a pandemic when they are de facto homeless shelters?

I would stick to their original function--to collect and distribute books, curbside--and keep the libraries closed except to librarians.

I agree. And I just wrote that feedback to DCPL.

[Anonymous]

The library director will be on Kojo Nnamdi today (Wednesday, 7/29/20) at noon to talk about the new MLK library as well as the library's Covid response. If you are inclined to to do so, please call in and let him know how you feel about the library not letting the public now when a branch had to close due to an employee testing positive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The library director will be on Kojo Nnamdi today (Wednesday, 7/29/20) at noon to talk about the new MLK library as well as the library's Covid response. If you are inclined to to do so, please call in and let him know how you feel about the library not letting the public now when a branch had to close due to an employee testing positive.

They need to be part of the Covid response for sure by limiting their function to book exchange services, period. Not public restrooms, not computers, not story time, not shelter.

If DC needs to provide a safe 'computer bank' they should do so through job services, not the library. Ditto, this is also a great chance for the city to look at homeless services as separate from libraries. Maybe it will incentivize them to do so.

[Anonymous]

Here's the article from DCist:
https://dcist.com/story/20/07/29/some-d-c-public-library-employees-say-its-too-soon-to-reopen-branches/?fbclid=IwAR1k5nui4PSdNjIma50Y0Pjrk3JCpLQn85vRKzlqO_cN7rBuM0yoXM457d0

The library director says he has heard from residents who want the library to open.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Here's the article from DCist:
https://dcist.com/story/20/07/29/some-d-c-public-library-employees-say-its-too-soon-to-reopen-branches/?fbclid=IwAR1k5nui4PSdNjIma50Y0Pjrk3JCpLQn85vRKzlqO_cN7rBuM0yoXM457d0

The library director says he has heard from residents who want the library to open.

open safely I would imagine? I would much prefer a quick pick up/drop off than running a COVID-air gauntlet while seeing a bunch of sad librarians lacking protection and cleaning supplies doing their unofficial social service work.

[Anonymous]

I was in the Petworth library a few weeks ago. I don't remember feeling unsafe while I was inside. I don't think they had the computer areas going. They had a guy outside counting people, ostensibly to keep count to limit the number of people inside. They put up some weak plexiglass in front of the registers. I wish the employees would stop asking to handle peoples' keys for their library card.

[Anonymous]

Take your card off your keys or write your name and card number on a slip of paper the librarian can read and toss.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Take your card off your keys or write your name and card number on a slip of paper the librarian can read and toss.

Good idea, they should be suggesting this to them