The Crested Butte News Serving the Gunnison Valley since 1999
“People seem really happy to have their libraries back”
By Mark Reaman
The Crested Butte and Gunnison libraries are cornerstones of both communities, and once allowed to reopen on a limited basis last week, they were used immediately.
“Our first full week of service was very busy,” said Gunnison County Library District executive director Drew Brookhart. “People are happy to have access to their library collections again. The phone has not stopped ringing. We have received a lot of great support. During this time many people are stuck at home, have limited financial resources and are generally feeling isolated. Free content and online programs that provide a social connection are good medicine.”
The libraries opened for curbside pickup on Monday, May 4. Currently, service is available four days a week and service is alternating between Crested Butte and Gunnison libraries, with Crested Butte being served Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon to 6 p.m. and Gunnison being open the same hours on Mondays and Wednesdays.
“In response to the COVID-19 outbreak we have now developed two systems for delivering library services,” Brookhart explained. “One that is completely digital and a second that allows limited access to the physical collection. We are working hard to design systems that will allow us to quickly change our service model based on community needs.”
Much of the library programming was moved online following the shutdown on March 13. Brookhart explained that additional resources were also moved into electronic resources, downloadable eBooks and eAudioBooks. Those are all discoverable and accessible through the libraries’ online catalog at gunnisoncountylibraries.org. “The statewide courier system that delivers books from all over the state is not up and running yet, so people are limited to what we have on the shelves locally. We are working hard to help people by fulfilling purchase requests.”
Just because the libraries are open doesn’t mean you can go in and browse the stacks. “Both the state level ‘Safer at Home’ order and our standing public health order restrict all public access to library buildings,” Brookhart said.
“To access items, call the libraries during their open hours and request a title and a pick-up time. Your items will be placed in a bag with your name on it at the designated time. All returned items are being ‘quarantined’ for seven days before being checked out to another person. Printing and faxing services are also available with the curbside model. People are welcome to email their print jobs to the library and we will make them available for pick-up at an established time, just like books and movies. We are not currently charging for printing, or charging fines.”
As for employees, Brookhart said there is plenty to keep them busy even with limited hours. “All of the libraries’ employees continue to work. We are doing a considerable amount of work from home to minimize everyone’s exposure,” he said. “During ‘curbside’ pick-up, which is really ‘windowside’ pick-up at the Old Rock, we have two people working each shift. Three people are working in Gunnison at any one time. Everyone is wearing personal protective equipment, we have increased cleaning and we are being very cautious.”
Looking to the future, the plans for a new library building in Gunnison continue to move forward on schedule. Brookhart said the district will continue design development this year, with a planned groundbreaking in the spring of 2021. “We are looking forward to having a successful project that provides a boost to the valley’s economy,” he concluded.
