WWW.QNS.COM RIDGEWOOD TIMES JULY 30, 2020 3
QPL reports ‘no issues’ after reopening some branches
BY JASMINE PALMA
EDITORIAL@QNS.COM
@QNS
Nearly two weeks after launching library
to-go services, the Queens Public Library
says its lent out tens of thousands of
items.
Seven library branches — Bayside, Bellerose,
East Elmhurst, Kew Gardens, Laurelton, Long
Island City and Peninsula — began providing
grab-and-go service on Monday, July 13, after
having been shut down due to the COVID-19
pandemic.
The open branches lent approximately 3,800
books and materials, and checked in more than
20,000 items, according to the QPL. The library
also welcomed an estimated 2,000 patrons back
to its branches.
“Everyone is so happy just to be able to enjoy
the service,” said Dave Wang, manager of the
Laurelton branch. “Even though the library service
is limited, you will see all coming back.”
QPL further reported that over 315,000 items
were on loan from the library when branches
across the borough closed their doors in an effort
to slow the spread of COVID-19. However, there is
no rush to return the items immediately.
Checked out books, movies and CDs will not be
due nor begin to amass fines until Oct. 1.
In spite of the progression toward normalcy,
Queens Public Library has conveyed health and
safety as its top priority during the reopening.
“We understand the reality. We’ve been cautious.
Now in New York, we are in good shape. We
try to do more for the public,” Wang said.
File photo courtesy of QPL
Visitors and staff have been practicing social
distancing and wearing masks, according to Ewa
Kern Jedrychowska, the deputy communications
director for Queens Public Library.
Signs have been placed at each location reminding
visitors to maintain a six-foot distance with
one another and to keep their masks on.
“So far there have been no issues and all of our
customers have followed our health and safety
protocols,” said Jedrychowska.
Depending on how the to-go service unfolds at
its current locations as well as how New York’s
overall reopening plan plays out, Queens Library
will slowly open more of its branches.
There is no concrete timetable for when a full reopening
of the libraries will occur, according to QPL.
Another nine branches, though not open for
to-go service, have started to receive returns
at book drops and external return machines.
Those branches are located in Cambria Heights,
Central, Flushing, Jackson Heights, Queensboro
Hill, Rego Park, Ridgewood and South Ozone Park
branches.
“We try as best we can to deliver service to the
public,” said Wang. “The library’s so important
to the life of the community.”
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