by Jillian Ocken

As Ames Public Library prepares to reopen “the stacks” to the public, I can’t help but think about how much a visit to Ames Public Library has changed over the past year.

I was home with my children over spring break when the news of COVID-19 in the U.S. hit. While they enjoyed their time away from school, I was swept up in a flurry of emails and changes at the Library. There were new cleaning protocols, toys were stored away, and events were being cancelled. And then, on March 16, everyone rushed into the Library to stock up on books and movies before the Library closed to the public for almost two months.

You might expect those next couple of months to be slow for Library staff, but they were quite the opposite. We learned new technologies, stretched our creativity, and got comfortable on camera so that we could keep connecting with community members, answering questions, and sharing books and resources in a no-contact way. Meanwhile, much of the behind-the-scenes activity of a library continued unabated.

We also had a new service to plan for: curbside pickup. Local restaurants made it look easy, but we quickly realized that libraries had a whole different set of challenges! In May, we implemented our first version of curbside pickup, which required customers to schedule a pickup appointment. Then staff would gather all of their held items and place them on a table outside of the building during the correct time slot. Not surprisingly, people were extremely ready for something new to read or watch, and appointments were booked up in the blink of an eye.

Even as we tweaked the curbside process, we were working on the next phase of reopening: grab and go in the Lobby, which started July 1. While it still took a ton of work to gather all the books and items people requested, Lobby access allowed customers to pick up their items whenever it was most convenient. We also added some great ways for visitors to find some materials without placing holds, like Quick Picks displays and Grab and Go bags.

Then in November, the spread of COVID skyrocketed. It was time for curbside service, round two. This time, we did away with appointments and implemented a text system instead. Staff had mixed feelings about the thousands of steps they were logging on Fitbits from running books out to cars non-stop, but we were pleased with how convenient it was for customers! As the spike in COVID ebbed and winter weather worsened, the Lobby reopened and our walking shoes got a break.

Now, as spring approaches and vaccines become more available, Ames Public Library is moving into the next phase of reopening. On March 15, the 1^st and 2^nd floors will open to the public for browsing. We’re excited for everyone to have the chance to browse our entire collection the “old-fashioned” way! However, it’s important to remember that the pandemic is not yet over, and our actions now will determine whether there’s another wave or a final decline of COVID cases. With that in mind Ames Public Library will continue with precautions and restrictions.

Visitors will be required to wear a mask covering their mouth and nose and to practice physical distancing. They should also refrain from eating or drinking in the Library. To help reduce possible exposure and to allow more people to use the space safely, visitors should limit their time in the Library to 30 minutes or less. Meeting and study rooms and play areas will remain closed during this phase.

Many of you will be happy to hear that Quick Picks and Grab and Go Bags will stay in the lobby for now. You’ll still be able to pick up your holds, grab some @HOME Activity Kits, and find a popular Quick Pick with minimal contact and maximum speed!

If you have questions as we navigate 2021 together, please let us know. Library staff are available by phone, e-mail, and now by chat on our website!