likescarrots
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,879
Aug 16, 2014 17:52:53 GMT
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Post by likescarrots on Mar 15, 2020 4:45:19 GMT
as someone who works in a library, I can say for sure that they are the opposite of a model for social distancing. People are touching practically every surface, and they will sit at a small table next to other patrons with no question. Librarians are in direct contact with the patrons, often sharing computer screens (very close to each other), there are tons of programs and classes/workshops/reading groups with many people (for public libraries often including children and teens), there are shared computers for the public and touch screens/self checkout machines. If circulation staff are checking out books they are likely being handed a library card and touching the same surfaces as patrons. SO much germ spreading. I have honestly never been as sick in my life as I have been since I started working at a library, despite my job not being public facing (meaning I don't interact with patrons). And I've worked retail/grocery! Sorry if I offended you. I didn't mean to imply that there wasn't a lot of interaction among patrons and staff at libraries-especially nowadays. One thing I love about the library though, is that I can just stroll among the aisles of books without having to interact with anyone if I choose. I can always find a secluded corner in the library where I can sit and read by myself. I've rarely had anyone invade my space at the library. I'm sure it's a completely different story if you are a librarian. As I said, I totally understand why the libraries are closing, I'm just sad that they have to do so. No worries, I was not offended. I had no idea myself how much interaction happened until I started working in libraries.
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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on Mar 15, 2020 10:57:08 GMT
Ours are all closed.
But I don't normally check out physical books, just ebooks on my kindle. Those are still available.
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