Library Closed

[debodun]

I went over to return a book today and found the library closed. I sent a PM to one of the staff and they said it was because they are having a fund raising event tonight. Wonder why they have to close the whole day for that.

 

[Geezerette]

Probably to prepare for it. Just about all of our public libraries here have a secure drop off chute drawer on the outside of the building for returns in off hours. You might ask if your library has one that you didn’t know about, and if not, would they consider creating one.

 

[debodun]

Not just to bring back a book, they had called yesterday saying one I had ordered through the inter-library loan had arrived. I said I had a few more chapters to finish and I would bring it back today, but whomever I spoke with didn't mention the library would be closed today.

 

[Kaila]

whomever I spoke with didn't mention the library would be closed today.

That's definitely frustrating.
They might have wanted to do extra cleaning, before the event, and perhaps are under-staffed, but it's inconvenient and disappointing,
that they either decided last minute to close for the day, or the person you spoke to, didn't think to mention it, and didn't mention that closing for that day was being considered, either, so you could have been told to check back before going.

 

[debodun]

Probably to prepare for it.

Prepare what? Tables and chairs are already there.

 

[Geezerette]

Or maybe they are only allowed to work a certain number of hours and wanted to avoid overtime.Next time you go in, ask them why they did it.

 

[debodun]

I went back today and it was open. I told the librarian on duty about yesterday and asked why did the library have to be closed all day for an evening event. She said that it takes a lot of preparation. I asked if there was a good turnout and then she added that it was a ZOOM event. Now I am wondering even more how much prep does that take when the event wasn't even on-site.

 

[MFP]

Sometimes things are just the way they are and we have to accept it. One day obviously didn't kill you right?

 

[Giantsfan1954]

Maybe for sanitizing everything in these Covid days.
If they were erring on the side of caution,I would say that's a good thing.

 

[Oris Borloff]

Another guess, since it was a zoom meeting perhaps no one was to physically report into the library that day?

We had something similar here this past week. We had gone into town for groceries and we were just dropping off some books, and there was a sign on the door that they'd be closed for a staff meeting. Since it was quite early in the morning and we were just dropping off books, I will ask them next time we're in to check out books why they were closed.

 

[Geezerette]

Suggest to your libraries that they install a secure return chute if they dont already have one, and/or if they have one, find it and use it if you need to make returns when they aren’t open.
I’m just so glad most of our libraries have reopened to almost normal hours with check ins and occupancy limits I don’t begrudge them the need to close sometimes for necessary business.