Week 65: Library Opening Timeline Approved

Elaine Martin Director’s Corner

I am pleased to announce that SORT met yesterday and approved the Countway opening timeline that was shared at the Town Hall meeting and provided below.

Timeline for June 2021 to January 2022: Open Stacks on June 14, End seat reservation system on June 14, Self-service book check out on June 14, Locker system on June 14, Makerspace August/September 2, In person consultation services (1:1) on August 2, In person classes and events this Fall, Pet therapy this Summer (outdoors), Countway Cupboard TBD, CHOM Reading Room August 2, and Warren Museum January 2022. Countway staff is the responsible party for all listed activities and their effect on SORT is none.

What does this mean? Beginning the week of June 14th…

  • the library will be open to all HUID holders
  • mask wearing indoors will still be required
  • social distancing will still be in place
  • no additional seats will be added
  • reservation system will be eliminated
  • the Shattuck St. entrance will be open (ID access only)
  • safety ambassador desk will be removed
  • safety ambassadors/concierge will sit at a podium at each entrance to welcome patrons and help them navigate the building
  • stacks will be open
  • self-checkout will be available (Russell Reading Room and L1)
  • although library hours will not be changing, there will be no cleaning from 1-2 pm and users will not have to exit the building during that time
  • Countway Library website will be updated to announce opening to all HUID holders and other changes
  • thorough cleaning of L1 & L2 will occur and cleaning kits will be provided in the restrooms on those floors
  • thorough walkthrough was done to identify miscellaneous items on L1 & L2 that are not needed and will be removed
  • recruitment is underway for LHTs and training will occur
  • Countway Cuddles on the quad will take place this summer (late June/early July)
  • signage is being updated throughout the library
  • lockers will be operational and Grab & Go station will continue at Huntington entrance
  • no food and drink in the library except in café area (bring your own)

Please join me at future Town Hall meetings, and stay tuned for my weekly messages outlining further preparations needed by August.

Upcoming Town Hall:

Thursday, June 24th 2:00 to 3:00 pm

Feel free to contact anyone on the opening team (Elaine, Meredith, MJ, Yasmina, Len, Luciana) for items we might have missed. We look forward to a more robust opening of Countway!

Elaine