As it reopens, Wake County libraries rolls out new 'on the go' programs for kids, families

If you missed the news last week, several Wake County Public Libraries regional locations are now open—East, Eva Perry, Northeast and Southeast. Cameron Village and West regional libraries opened Monday. And Cary and North regional libraries will open on Monday, Nov. 23.

It's all part of a phased reopening plan for the library system, which closed in March because of the pandemic. But, as you gear up for your first visit inside a library since March, know that your visit these days, just like everything else, will look a little different than it did during the before times.

There's no more lingering among the shelves and sitting and enjoying a bit of quiet time while your kids fill up their library bag with books. Instead, the library system has rolled out a new Express Library Experience that's more like a bookstore experience than a library (but the books are still free to check out!).

Here's how it will work, according to the county:

• Books will be available on tables and in special displays, making it easy to grab and go.
• You’ll be asked to limit your visit to 30 minutes or less.
• Lounge furniture, tables and chairs have been removed, and meeting rooms, quiet study rooms, newspapers and magazines will not be offered. Computers will be available at some libraries, but use will be limited to 30 minutes.
• Visitors will have their temperature taken and be asked a series of questions before they may enter.
• Librarians will staff greeter stations to answer questions and provide directions.
• Everyone 5 and older will be required to wear a mask. Library staff also will wear masks and undergo health screenings each day.
• Social distancing will be enforced, and the capacity will be limited.

To prepare for the return of patrons, the library has installed some new air filters, Plexiglass shields and signage reminding visitors to maintain a physical distance from others. Staff also is regularly cleaning high-touch areas. And hand sanitizer will be available for customers. For now, library books will be quarantined for 72 hours after they are returned, according to the county.

With the changes also come some new On the Go Programs, including several for families. They include:

Play Your Way to K: An interactive board game with literacy tips for young children to support kindergarten readiness.

Book Bundles: A grab bag of assorted books for young children selected by librarians.

Storytime on the Go: A storytime with books, songs and rhymes planned by librarians and based on the Every Child Ready to Read curriculum.

Adventures to Go: Take-and-make craft activity sheets with book recommendations for school-aged children.

Express Book Bags: Curated bag of books created by librarians based on the interests of library customers.

The library's virtual offerings also continue, including its Storytime Antime series and access to e-books and audiobooks.

The library's Books on the Go program, which offers no contact pickup up for library materials, continues at the county's community library locations. It also offers limited Books on the Go appointments for customers who need a contact-free option to pick up library books at its regional libraries, which are now open.