Library Develops Own Reopening Plan

Like many other entities, Effingham Public Library is hoping to continue reopening and providing more services. The library board has decided to base the reopening on the state's COVID-19 positivity rate.

Library Director Amanda McKay said the plan is available on their website. If library patrons are wondering when a program or service will become available, they can check the site. 

The Board also changed the terms of paying off the library building mortgage with Washington Savings Bank. McKay said the annual payment will be reduced from $98,000 to $69,000. She said the reduction is in part based on the proceeds from the sale of the former library location on Market Avenue, as well as the ability to make some additional payments.

Board members updated the library's personnel policy regarding coronavirus mitigation and exposure, and added pandemic procedures to the library's meeting room policy. McKay said once the facility is available for use, it will be limited to one event per day and during regular business hours, with limited capacity. The thought is that library personnel will be doing the cleaning following meetings in addition to their other duties.