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St. Mary's County Library plans limited re-opening Aug. 3 with masks, capacity limits and curbside service
Summary
Director Michael Blackwell told trustees the library expects to reopen to the public on Aug. 3 with masks required, reduced building capacity, continued curbside pickup and a 72-hour quarantine on returned materials.
Director Michael Blackwell told the St. Mary's County Library Board of Trustees the system intends to begin limited public openings on Aug. 3, with safeguards including masks, reduced capacity and continued curbside service.
"We're feeling pretty confident about August 3rd as an opening date for the library," Michael Blackwell, director of St. Mary's County Library, told trustees. The board discussed a phased reopening that keeps curbside pickup while allowing a controlled number of patrons inside each branch.
The plan sets branch-specific occupancy targets to maintain 6-foot distancing: about 10–12 patrons at Charlotte Hall and roughly 20–24 patrons at Lexington Park and Leonardtown at one time. Staff will monitor entrances and exits, and the library will continue to quarantine returned materials for 72 hours before re-shelving. Interlibrary loan processing from the state was slated to resume on Aug. 3, and patrons can reserve materials from partner systems in Calvert and Charles counties.
Other safety steps in the plan include required face coverings for entry (with masks available for patrons who arrive without one), blocking or relocating furniture to ensure distancing, limiting in-person computer assistance, placing plastic wrap or disposable covers on keyboards and providing sanitizing wipes. Meeting rooms will remain closed initially; the library will evaluate opening quiet study rooms for individual or very small-group use later in the fall depending on public-health guidance.
Trustees discussed accommodations for groups that regularly use the library's space, including organizations serving people with special needs. The director said staff will consider appointment windows or reserved times for groups that typically arrive together to avoid exceeding capacity limits.
The board also noted the system will continue many virtual programs launched during the pandemic and may keep hybrid options for popular events going forward.
