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Miami-Dade Public Library System to reopen to the public on June 8

Coronavirus (COVID-19) safety measures, including face covering use and social distancing, will be enforced to ensure public health

MIAMI ( June 05, 2020 )

The Miami-Dade Public Library System (MDPLS) will reopen to the public on an expanded schedule beginning Monday, June 8, 2020, with coronavirus (COVID-19) safety measures, including mandatory wearing of face masks or face coverings to enter and while in the library, social distancing and personal protective equipment for library patrons and staff at all MDPLS locations. The expanded schedule of operating hours is available on the Library’s website: www.mdpls.org.

During the initial reopening, all library locations will operate with occupancy limits in keeping with state and Miami-Dade County guidelines to ensure social distancing and gatherings of 10 people or less. In addition to the strict occupancy limits, patrons will be required to wear face masks or face coverings to enter and while inside the library, sanitize or wash their hands upon entry, and practice social distancing.

To maintain social distancing, a reduced number of seating areas and computers will be available and time limits will be placed on computer sessions to ensure access for others. Floor decals have also been placed throughout all libraries to remind people where they should stand.

Other safety measures include the installation of plexiglass shields at service desks, face shields for library staff, hand sanitizer dispensers throughout library facilities and disinfecting wipes available for staff and patrons to wipe down computer areas and printers/copy machines. In addition to enhanced janitorial services, library staff will also be cleaning and disinfecting service desks, tables and other high-touch point areas throughout the day after each use.

Patrons are encouraged to continue using the MDPLS online library and digital resources and to pre-order items such as books and DVDs using the Library’s online catalog or mobile app or by calling their nearest branch for express pickup at their preferred library location to limit in-person interactions and allow for more people to use in-library services in keeping with occupancy limits.

While no in-library programs or events will be taking place until further notice, patrons may enjoy the Library’s virtual programs and storytimes available on the MDPLS Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages and YouTube channel.

Throughout this pandemic, the Miami-Dade Public Library System has continued to serve the public through availability of digital content (e.g., eBooks, audiobooks, movies, learning resources and virtual programs), walk-up service for patrons to pick up pre-ordered library materials, and distribution of more than 115,000 paper copies of state Reemployment Assistance applications and over 21,000 Department of Children and Families Food (SNAP), Medical (Medicaid) and Temporary Cash (TANF) Assistance applications to residents in need of obtaining economic assistance during this time. With the reopening of our libraries, residents will now also be able to use library computers and Wi-Fi to access these and other assistance programs, conduct job searches, complete the 2020 Census online, pick up Vote-by-Mail Ballot Request Forms and copies of the County’s 2020 Hurricane Guide, and more.

For more information about the Library’s reopening plan, visit www.mdpls.org or www.miamidade.gov/newnormal.

All protocols and guidelines in the reopening plan were developed in consultation with Miami-Dade County’s medical experts at the Florida Department of Health, Jackson Health System, U-Health and the medical schools at Florida International University and the University of Miami.

For questions or assistance, residents may email [email protected] or contact any library location. A complete list of locations, addresses and phone numbers is available at www.mdpls.org/branches.

For the latest COVID-19 updates, information and resources, visit www.miamidade.gov/coronavirus.

About the Miami-Dade Public Library System
The mission of the Miami-Dade Public Library System is to provide extraordinary services, spaces and experiences that promote literacy and learning, personal growth and limitless opportunities. MDPLS has been recognized with 29 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Awards over the past three years and has been honored with the Florida Library Association (FLA) Award for Exemplary Instructional Programs or Services for its Homework Help and Tutoring Program in 2020, Library Innovation Award for its Technobus in 2019 and the FLA Award for Excellence in Marketing and Public Relations in 2018. Learn more at www.mdpls.org.