With the doors closed on all its branches since mid-March, the Ann Arbor District Library System will gradually reopen over the coming weeks. WEMU's Lisa Barry talks with library director Josie Parker about how that will take place and what library users can expect as they ease back into normal operations.
Back in May, Governor Gretchen Whitmer introduced her MI Safe Start program, which will restart the state's economy in six phases (Uncontrolled Growth, Persistent Spread, Flattening, Improving, Containing, and Post-Pandemic). Ann Arbor District Library director Josie Parker explains how the library system will reopen in alignment with Phases 4-6 of the Governor's plan as follows:
MI Safe Start Phase 4: Improving
Once Southeast Michigan moves to Phase 4, Contactless Pickup will begin.
First: Open for returns starting June 15th
Then: All Locations open daily, Noon - 8 PM for Lobby Pickup, starting June 22nd
Later: Public Computing by Appointment at the Downtown Library starting in July
MI Safe Start Phase 5: Containing
Once Southeast Michigan moves to Phase 5, Browsing Hours will resume.
First: Open Hours for Browsing & Self Checkout
Then: Walk-in Public Computing
Later: Exhibits Resume
MI Safe Start Phase 6: Post-Pandemic
Once Southeast Michigan moves to Phase 6, Full Service will resume.
First: Regular Library Hours & Open Seating
Then: Meeting Room Bookings & Rentals Resume
Later: AADL In-person Events Resume
For full details on the AADL's Reopening Plan, check out its website.
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— Lisa Barry is the host of All Things Considered on WEMU. You can contact Lisa at 734.487.3363, on Twitter @LisaWEMU, or email her at lbarryma@emich.edu
