

All six branches of the Branch District Library system were closed for three months but since June 29, they’re back and on normal hours.


They are open, but it has been quiet. Not like normal when the library is a "community living room" so to speak, said John Rucker, director of the Branch District Library.


For now the library is limited to a 25 percent capacity.


"At some of our bigger locations, like Coldwater and Bronson, keeping capacity down has been pretty easy," Rucker said. "At tiny Algansee, it means that sometimes patrons are having to wait a few moments on the porch before they can enter."


Librarians offer the same services, just a little quicker. "Grab and go" is their new motto. That’s for checking out books, magazines or movies. Sending a fax, using the wifi, or one of the computers is still an option.


Starting in September, they began to offer "grab and go" craft kits for all ages. Patrons take home a kit to make a craft. Online instructions are available.


The Coldwater Branch has "grab and go" binge boxes so patrons can quickly get a package of pre-selected similar movies for a themed movie marathon at home.


"Whatever brings to you the library, with our capacity limits and public health concerns in mind, we ask that all patrons limit their time in the building to one hour or less," Rucker said. "Having this limit is the right thing to do at this time so that the maximum amount of people can use the library safely."


All branches are following all the CDC guidelines and requiring face coverings. They’ve installed plexiglass partitions, increased ventilation and disinfect surfaces every hour, or more as needed.


"Library staff have been fantastic taking on this additional role" Rucker said.


It’s still service with a smile behind that mask, "even if you can’t see it," he said.


Summers at libraries are usually busy, but this year, while numbers were down, some branches offered outdoors and socially distanced programs.


The Bronson and Union Township branches have adequately large and quiet outdoor spaces to allow for outdoor story times. They drew up to 30 children at a time, Rucker said.


Staff have been offering a wide variety of online programs — nearly 300 original programs since April. They are on the library website or Facebook page. They have also hosted programs such as the Boogie Woogie Kid, and Holocaust survivor, Irene Butter.


"Public engagement with these programs has been phenomenal," Rucker said. "I’m heartened at how both our patrons and our staff seem to have found a good balance between providing as much of our normal service as we’re able while keeping our operations as safe as possible for everyone involved."
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