LUTHERAN QUILTERS – Members of the Quilts for Comfort Group stand between pews draped with some of the 205 quilts they made, in the Sitka Lutheran Church Tuesday. The group made the quilts for five local non-profits and one in Anchorage. The remaining quilts are sent to Lutheran World Relief which  distributes them to places around the world in need, such as Ukraine, as part of Personal Care Kits. Pictured are, from left, Helen Cunningham, Kathleen Brandt,Vicki Swanson, Paulla Hardy, Kim Hunter, Linda Swanson and Sue Fleming.  (Sentinel Photo by James Poulson)

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Daily Sitka Sentinel

Library Users Back; Window Stays Open

By SHANNON HAUGLAND
Sentinel Staff Writer

Traffic has been “steady” in the first week since the Sitka Public Library reopened its doors for walk-in services, library officials say.

And so far the reopening plan is going well, Sitka Library Director Jessica Ieremia said. 

“People have been respectful,” she said. “People feel like there’s adequate space to stay socially distant while they’re browsing.”

Depending on the week and the season, the library is one of the busiest city buildings, with a regular stream of residents and visitors coming in to browse the shelves, attend programs, use the computers, check out books and spend some quiet time reading or doing research.

City buildings were closed to the public on March 15 when pandemic lockdowns were mandated. Most buildings reopened over time, with safety plans in place to protect workers and the public. The library is one of the last city buildings to reopen, on July 1, although staff members have continued providing many services through the building’s grab-and-go program, and pick-up window.

Ieremia said she’s enjoyed seeing small groups of patrons – including families with small children – back in the library, and she’s received feedback on how much the public appreciates being able to once again browse and use services.

But Ieremia said the ability to stay open will depend on the public.

Masks are requested (and available if people forget to bring them); there are one-hour time limits on cafe tables and computers; and patrons are asked to follow other COVID-19 precautions, such as staying away when sick.

“We’re asking patrons to limit their time inside,” Ieremia said. “And we have window service for people not ready to come inside public buildings. You’re able to check out books or talk to a librarian to figure out what you want.”

Library patron Tina Johnson, left, and Joanna Perensovich, information services librarian, wear masks in the Sitka Library this afternoon. The library no longer has couches for patrons, but does have computer desks widely spaced apart for people to access for one-hour periods. (Sentinel Photo by James Poulson)

Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday for walk-in service.

The building is closed to the public Sunday through Tuesday to allow for extensive cleaning and sanitizing but walk-up window service is available from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday and Tuesday.

Ieremia said she’s pleased with how the reopening plan has been going.

“It’s really worked out well,” she said. “If we get too many people, we’ll have to re-evaluate.”

She said staff members can only request masks not require them, and the vast majority of patrons have complied. Patrons are also asked to respect the request to stay at least six feet from staff, in compliance with Centers for Disease Control recommendations.

“This is to help us keep our doors open,” Ieremia said of the rules. “We don’t want to close our doors again.”

Those with questions may call 747-4020.

 

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20 YEARS AGO

March 2004

Advertisement: Tea-Licious Tea House & Bakery 315 Lincoln Street Grand Opening! Freshly Baked Scones, Cakes & Pastries Innovative Salads, Soups & Sandwiches Harney & Sons Tea. Lunch * Afternoon Tea * Supper.

50 YEARS AGO

March 1974

Photo caption: National Republican Chairman George Bush takes a drink of water offered by Jan Craddick, Sitka delegate, during the Republican convention held here. Mrs. Craddick explained to Bush that the water was from Indian River, which means, according to local legend, that he will return.

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