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Hudson Library in Highlands will reopen by appointment beginning on Tuesday.
The Hudson Library in Highlands plans to follow other libraries in the Fontana Regional Library network with plans to open on a limited by-appointment basis the week of June 9 in Macon, Jackson, and Swain Counties.
The Hudson Library will begin accepting appointments by phone on June 2.
Library patrons may make appointments no more than one week in advance, said Hudson Library Librarian Carlyn Morenus.
“Curbside service will remain in place for those who do not choose to schedule a time to come into the building,” Morenus said. “All people entering library buildings will be required to wear a mask or other face covering.”
While N.C. Governor Roy Cooper’s “phase two” guidelines would permit opening on a limited basis earlier than June 8, libraries are awaiting delivery of necessary protective equipment before allowing the public inside.
“Safety of the public and library workers is the most important consideration, so social distancing and sanitizing procedures will be observed,” Morenus said. “In accordance with health department recommendations, armchairs, couches, and other upholstered furniture will not be available for use. In addition, people will be limited to 45-minute appointment slots, which will allow library staff to serve as many people as possible while also cleaning areas after use.”
The Hudson Library shut its doors in early March when Cooper announced the “Shelter in place” directive that effectively shut down the local economy.
The Albert Carlton-Cashiers Library announced last week it would also be opening its doors on a by-appointment basis for its patrons.
As a thank you for the public’s patience and as a way to welcome patrons back, the library will forgive overdue fines upon request until June 30. Overdue fines will also be forgiven on any lost items that are returned.
Call any Fontana Regional Library location to find out if there are any fines on your account, and ask that they be forgiven.
For more information, visit www.fontanalib.org or call Hudson Library at 828-526-3031.