We are in Phase 5 as of Friday, June 11, 2021. Please visit our main COVID-19 page for details. This page is now archived and will not be updated.
Why are you requiring facial coverings inside the library building?
The New Lenox Public Library District is dedicated to providing a safe and comfortable environment for all patrons and staff. In accordance with the Restore Illinois Plan and CDC guidelines, all persons entering the library must wear a facial covering and must maintain a six foot distance from all other persons when practicable. Reasonable accommodations such as curbside pickup and online resources are available to those who are medically prevented from or decline to wear a facial covering.
Those refusing to wear a facial covering and/or to maintain six foot distance when practicable shall be required to leave the library. If you are unable to wear a facial covering due to a health condition, please contact the library director ahead of time to accommodate your needs at director@newlenoxlibrary.org or 815-485-2605 ext. 101.
This requirement shall be lifted automatically when the Illinois Department of Public Health declares that the state has reached Phase 5 of the Restore Illinois plan. The requirement shall be reinstated automatically should the Illinois Department of Public Health determine that the state must return to any phase lower than Phase 5 of the Restore Illinois plan.
Are you sanitizing all your materials?
We follow RAILS recommendations for quarantining materials. This Spring, the organization has stopped recommending item quarantine. Though current research has shown that surfaces have a very low possibility of virus transmission, we advise patrons to continue wash their hands after visiting public spaces such as the library building. Hand sanitizer and restrooms will be available in our building.
Should I clean library materials at home after I check them out or before I return them?
No. Cleaning library materials at home may damage them, especially treatments like bleach or heat. Library staff are following a number of safety and cleaning protocols while in our buildings. We do recommend washing your hands after being in a public space such as the library building.
What safety precautions is the library taking?
The library will follow safety, hygiene, cleaning and physical distancing protocols recommended by Illinois Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control. The following practices have been adopted:
- Hand sanitizer available for patron and staff use.
- Signage posted to encourage proper physical distancing and hygiene practices.
- Plexiglass shields between staff and patrons at service points.
- Spacing increased at computers to allow for physical distancing. Computer reservations will be restricted to limit the number of visitors in our buildings at any given time.
- Buildings are thoroughly sanitized daily, and high-touch areas disinfected regularly throughout the day and after each use if possible.
- Staff and patrons are required to wear masks and encouraged to practice frequent hand-washing. Workstations will be cleaned before and after each staff shift and intermittently in between.