Library to add HEPA filters, expand in-building time and self-checkout app amid pandemic

Library staff told trustees that the St. Mary's County Library will receive a $10,000 reimbursement for personal protective equipment from the county health department and will deploy more than 100 HEPA air filters to improve indoor air quality at branches.

Michael (staff member) said the health department obtained a large CARES Act grant and offered to reimburse PPE purchases; "we are going to receive a reimbursement of $10,000 for our personal protective equipment," he said. Staff also reported orders for HEPA filters that each will serve roughly 450 square feet; trustees were told the library expects to place a filter in most small rooms and multiple units in larger spaces.

Operational changes that took effect the same day include allowing patrons to remain in library buildings for up to two hours (computers available for 1 hour and 50 minutes per session), reopening small study rooms (three at Leonardtown, two at Lexington Park), and providing cleaning supplies in study rooms for patrons to use between sessions. Staff emphasized that doors to study rooms will be left open to preserve airflow and that masks or face coverings remain required; the library will accept face shields as an allowable "face covering" under Maryland rules but staff said they continue to encourage masks.

The library also began promoting a new mobile app branded for the system (search "Saint Mary's County Library") that allows users to check accounts, search the catalog and perform self-checkout from a smartphone or tablet to reduce touch points at branches.

Ending: Trustees praised the additions and asked staff to monitor the effect of changes on building use and safety; staff said they will track patron numbers as the filters and app rollout proceed.