CUYAHOGA COUNTY, Ohio — Editor's note: the video in the player above is from a story published on November 6, 2020.
Cuyahoga County Public Library is cracking down on masks as COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Ohio.
On Friday morning the library put out a statement letting patrons know that beginning Monday, November 16, all staff and visitors will be required to wear an appropriate face covering at all times. The rule does allow exceptions for children two-years-old and younger.
The library will no longer allow face shields, bandanas, gaiters, or any type of improvised mask/face covering while inside, as an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19. The statement says that Cuyahoga County Public Library will provide proper masks to guests who want to enter the building, but do not have one. Food and beverages will also not be allowed until further notice.
"We know you visit the library for many different reasons – to use a computer, to access the Internet, to browse the shelves, and to pick up materials – and we want to be here to meet your library and information needs. In following with public health recommendations to limit in-person interactions, we encourage you to be attentive to the length of time you spend in the library and to take advantage of our many virtual and contactless services," said Tracy R. Strobel, executive director for the Cuyahoga County Public Library.
Of the virtual and contactless services mentioned above, the library is currently offering curbside/drive-through pick-up, telephone reference, call ahead printing and faxing, online reading advisories, eBooks and audiobooks, as well as movies and music available to stream.
"Like you, we miss the days of seeing children play together after a storytime or a group of seniors discussing current events – but we know those days will return," Strobel said in the press release. "The good news of a vaccine is in sight, and we all must remain vigilant so that we can gather again safely in the future."
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