By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Public Library is open, but the experience will be a little different, if you haven't been in since before COVID-19 became an issue.
"We are open to the public coming into the building for limited hours, said Library Director Gregg Wamsley. "They can come in. They'll find the stacks open just like they normally are, they can browse the collection. We have public computers available. That process has had to change slightly because of the world we live in, but those are available and many of our regular services are available, it's just that with cleaning for the coronavirus and making sure that the building is safe, we spend a lot more time doing processes that we've had to sort of improvise over the last few weeks and months."
Because of that cleaning, the library is open for shorter hours and not open on Sunday.
"The hours are Monday through Friday from from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.," Wamsley said. "On Saturday, we're open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m."
Also, when you return materials, the procedure works differently.
"We're asking patrons bring all of their items to our 24 hour book drop behind the building," said Kate Lewis with the library. "That's to prevent those items from coming inside the library through other means so we can have everything in one place. Then, we bring those items into our garage. They stay on our quarantine shelves for five days."
After that time, the covers are treated with a virucide and the item is put back in its normal place. If you have questions about the library's operations, feel free to call 620-663-5441 during the operating hours.