Message from the Library Director

The devoted team of staff at your Basalt Regional Library have been working hard to bring library services back to the community in a safe and responsible phased approach. We thank you for your support and patience as we implement new “chapters” of service in accordance with the best practices of social distancing and safety. 
 
With the needs and safety of our community in mind, we are moving forward with utmost care. Public Libraries are extremely high-touch environments where there is minute by minute public handling of materials, computers, printers, furniture and bathroom fixtures. Every effort is being made to have protocols and safety equipment in place prior to reopening so that the public and our staff are safe. On a typical summer day, at least 400 people walk through our doors. Social distancing and maintaining proper sanitizing protocols in a public library is a challenging and complex task.  
 
While our physical building remains closed, we want you to know that we are still here for you. Librarians are available by phone and email Monday through Saturday from 10am-5pm and can assist with placing requests for curbside pickup, recommend a good book, answer reference questions, provide technical help and walk you through accessing our digital collections and resources. We will continue to offer virtual programs, including our Summer Reading Program for all ages. 

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We remain dedicated to providing valued services and resources to our community. The way we provide those services may be changing, but our mission has not. We will continue to work toward our mission to afford our community free and equitable access to information, tools and connections that nurture lifelong learning in a safe and welcoming space. 
 
Since closing the building in March to slow the spread of COVID-19, we have issued over 100 new digital library cards, offered over 50 virtual programs and added new titles and resources to our Digital Media Library . Our Wi-Fi service remains on 24/7 and extends to the front of the building and the parking spaces nearest to the front entrance. Since beginning curbside takeout on May 18, we have checkout out over 900 items and have checked in over 1200 items. 
 
Beginning Monday June 15, we will begin “Chapter 3” of our phased approach with extended curbside pickup and book return times. Contactless curbside takeout, book return, and complimentary printing will be available Monday - Thursday from 12 - 6 pm and Friday and Saturday from 12-4 pm. We are continuing to follow the recommendations of the CDC and the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to quarantine returned materials for 72 hours before checking them in. We will continue to waive overdue fines until further notice. All materials are thoroughly cleaned before returning to the shelves. Because of the quarantine time needed, items may stay on your account for up to a week. 
 
We look forward to welcoming everyone back into the Library as soon as we can in the safest way possible. Until then, we will continue to expand upon services being offered by moving to new chapters. I invite you to visit our Online Library available 24/7 for updates on our return to service progress. Have a question or need help? Call us at 970-927-4311 Monday - Saturday from 10am - 5pm or send an email to info@basaltlibrary.org. 

Sue Kiley
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Executive Director 
Basalt Regional Library