COVID-19 News and Library Status

Library Reopening Plan

Along with many others, the staff of Ballston Spa Public  Library began working from home on March 17th. We kept busy planning for future programs and services. Additionally we worked hard to engage patrons with our social media pages and    virtual storytime. We were excited to return to the library on June 1st to get the building prepared to allow patrons inside safely.

      Please know that CDC, OSHA and NYS Forward online guidances were consulted when making this reopening plan.

        In order to keep moving forward with our reopening plan, please adhere to the following: *face masks must be worn, *stay home if you are sick, *practice social distance

 Phase 1: Return of Materials: June 3rd-June 20th

Access to building & collections: Building is closed to the public. The book drop is open for library materials only. No donations please. No fines will be assessed. All library returns will be quarantined for 3 days for they are checked in.

Checkouts: Virtual via Overdrive, Libby  or Kanopy.

Programs and Meetings: Virtual only.

Phase 2: Curbside Pickup: June 23rd-July 3rd

Access to building & collection:  building is closed to the public. The book drop is open for library materials only.

Checkouts: Virtual via Overdrive, Libby and Kanopy or arrange for a curbside pickup.

Programs and Meetings: Virtual  only.

Guidelines & Process

1. Only items owned by Ballston Spa Public Library can be requested. Items owned by other libraries are not available at this time.

2. Items can be placed on hold a few different ways – Online at pac.sals.edu limiting the search to items owned by Ballston Spa Public Library, emailing balweb@sals.edu with titles or subjects, or by calling us 518-885-5022. There is a limit of 10 items per card.

3. If you place the order by phone, you can schedule a pick-up time at that time. Otherwise, we will call you to set up a time when we receive your request. Staff must confirm your pickup time with you for your materials to be available. Pick-up times will be available Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10am-4:30 pm, Thursday 1pm-6pm and Saturday 10:30am-12:30pm. Pick-up times will be scheduled in 30 minute windows to   ensure social distancing requirements are met.

4. At the time of pick-up, please call  518-885-5022 and let us know you are in the parking lot. Indicate whether you drove or walked. We will place your items in a bag labeled with your name either in your trunk or on a cart outside of the rear entrance if you walked. You will need to show ID   before the bag is released to you.

Phase 3: Metered Limited Walk-In Service: July 7th-July 18

Access to building & collection:   Building will be open for material checkouts, 30 minute usage of public computers or to use the copy machine. The stacks will be closed, but staff can retrieve books for you. The public bathroom and water fountain are closed to the public. Hours: Tues., Weds., Fri.: 10am-5pm Thurs.: 12pm-7pm Sat.: 10am-1pm

Checkouts: Virtual via Overdrive, Libby or Kanopy, in person or curbside.

Programs and Meetings: Virtual only

Phase 4: Metered Less Limited Walk-In Service: July 21st-August 1st

Access to building and collections: Building will be open for material checkouts, 1 hour of public computers or to use the copy machine. Library stacks will be open for browsing. 1-2 people can work at tables. Upstairs public bathroom and water fountain are not available. Hours: Tues., Weds., Fri.: 10am-5pm Thurs.: 12pm-7pm Sat.: 10am-1pm

Checkouts: Virtual via Overdrive, Libby or Kanopy, in person or curbside.

Programs and Meetings: Virtual only.

Phase 5: Gradual Transition to Normal Walk-In Service: August 4th-TBA

Access to building and collections: Building will be open for material checkouts, 1 hour of public computers or to use the copy machine. Library stacks will be open for browsing. 1-2 people can work at tables. Upstairs public bathroom and water fountain are not available. Fax service will resume

Checkouts: Virtual via Overdrive, Libby or Kanopy or in person.

Programs and Meetings: Virtual programs, usage of Community Room will resume if    applicable. We will consult with NYS directives to make a decision.

Curbside Procedure

Ballston Spa Public Library is delighted to offer curbside pick-up to our community beginning Tuesday, June 23rd.

In our effort to protect the health of both our staff and patrons, curbside pickup will be offered with the following guidelines:

Curbside Pick-up Guidelines & Process

  1. Only items owned by Ballston Spa Public Library can be requested. Items owned by other libraries are not available at this time.
  2. Items can be placed on hold a few different ways – Online at pac.sals.edu limiting the search to items owned by Ballston Spa Public Library, emailing balweb@sals.edu with titles or subjects, or by calling us 518-885-5022. There is a limit of 10 items per card.
  3. If you place the order by phone, you can schedule a pick-up time at that time. Otherwise, we will call you to set up a time when we receive your request. Staff must confirm your pickup time with you for your materials to be available. Pick-up times will be available Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10am-4:30 pm, Thursday 1pm-6pm and Saturday 10:30am-12:30pm. Pick-up times will be scheduled in 30 minute windows to ensure social distancing requirements are met.
  4. At the time of pick-up, please call 518-885-5022 and let us know you are in the parking lot. Indicate whether you drove or walked. We will place your items in a bag labeled with your name either in your trunk or on a cart outside of the rear entrance if you walked. You will need to show ID before the bag is released to you.

Returns and the Book Drop

The book drop opened on Wednesday, June 3rd.  Please place all returns in the drop box. Refrain from handing returns directly to a staff member. Returned items will be quarantined for 72 hours before being checked in, so you will still see them on your account for a few days.

Questions?

If you have any questions regarding our curbside pick-up services, email us at balweb@sals.edu or call 518-885-5022.

As the entire state and nation have been dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic for the last few weeks, public libraries have also been increasingly aware that programs and meetings could be potential hazards in spreading the virus. With that said, the decision has been made to cancel all library and Friends of the Ballston Spa Public Library events until further notice.Thank you for your understanding during this challenging time.