We are excited to share news about our progress to safely reopen our libraries to the public. We have continued working with local health officials to implement a plan for the safety of our staff and patrons, which is outlined in detail on our website.

First, please know that our curbside pickup service will continue for the foreseeable future, and our online resources such as e-books, audiobooks, and databases remain available. We still encourage these options for accessing books, movies, music, and more.

For those coming into our branches, here are some important details:

SAFETY

The first measure of safety is for all of us to be personally responsible. We ask patrons who feel unwell to not visit our branches. We ask patrons who do visit to practice good hygiene such as hand-washing and avoiding touching their face. When you arrive, here is what to expect:

• All patrons over 2 years old will be required to wear face masks
• A staff member at the entrance will be in charge of limiting building capacity
• Plexiglass barriers will be installed at transaction points
• Social distancing of 6 feet will be expected
• No “over-the-shoulder” help will be available from staff
• Regular cleaning will occur

TIME LIMITS

Patrons must keep their visits to less than one hour, both to decrease the number of people and to allow the next patron waiting to enter if the building reaches its designated capacity. Computers will have a one-hour time limit.

OPENING DATES

We plan to open our libraries in waves. These dates are subject to change based on our ability to have adequate safety supplies and procedures in place.

• June 15: Central, Eagle, East 38th Street, Franklin Road, Haughville, Nora, Pike
• June 20: New Martindale-Brightwood branch opens for service!
• June 22: Wayne branch opens for service! East Washington, Garfield Park, Southport, Spades Park, Warren, West Indianapolis
• June 29: Beech Grove, College Avenue, Decatur, Glendale, Irvington, Michigan Road

InfoZone will remain closed until further notice. Lawrence will also remain closed as it is still undergoing renovations.

HOURS

In-branch service hours will be effective when branches reach their opening date (above).

• All branches will be open from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm, Monday through Saturday, except Central Library, which will close at 5:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
• The following branches will be open from noon – 5:00 pm on Sundays: Central, Franklin Road, Glendale, Nora, Pike, Southport, Warren, and Wayne.
• CURBSIDE HOURS: Once a location is open for in-branch service, its curbside pickup hours will adjust to noon – 5:00 pm on all days it is open.
• BOOK DROPS & RETURNS: Drop boxes will remain open for returning items. (Note that quarantining will cause a delay in items appearing as “returned” in your online account. Don’t worry – we have no late fees right now!)

All these details are available on our website.

We will continuously evaluate our ability to maintain a safe, healthy environment for staff and patrons. These expectations are subject to change as needed.

Please be patient and respectful of our staff as we work through our new normal to bring Library services to our patrons.

Thank you.

Jackie Nytes
CEO, Indianapolis Public Library