Yonkers libraries reopen with new hours and social distancing guidelines

Book lovers are only allowed into the city’s three libraries to access collections and for library card registration.

News 12 Staff

Jul 13, 2020, 9:27 AM

Updated 1,599 days ago

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Yonkers is set to reopen the doors to its public library system today after nearly four months of closure due to the pandemic.
Book lovers are only allowed into the city’s three libraries to access collections and for library card registration. Guests will be able check out by scanning their own card and materials to minimize contact with staff.
Officials say they're not yet ready to host events, study sessions, or computer access, but all library programs will continue to be offered virtually.
All visitors are required to wear a mask or face covering and to observe social distancing guidelines. The use of study rooms and non-collection spaces will be off limits to the public.
Building occupancy will also be limited to help maintain social distancing. At the Grinton I. Will Public Library, for example, the limit is 50 people. Patrons that are not actively engaged in accessing library collections or services may be asked to leave the building so that others can enter.
"If the library is full, you may have to wait to get in, it also means that you can't necessarily stay here all day, at least at first, we're really about the transactions right now, getting in, finding the books and DVDs you want and then moving along so that other people can enjoy the library," says Jesse Montero, director of the Yonkers Public Library.
Montero says don't be discouraged by limited services, the plan is to go slowly and add more as the weeks go by.
People who spoke to News 12 say they are looking forward to getting back inside. “I'm ecstatic about it because this is my resource for everything...I could get books on my phone, but I couldn't renew my paper books, so that's why I'm really excited about it," says Vera Gonzalez, of Yonkers.
Revised hours are:
Crestwood Library
Monday: 1 p.m. -5 p.m. (contact free pickup only)
Tuesday: 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. (in-branch service)
Wednesday: 10 p.m. – 1 p.m. (in-branch service) and 2 p.m.-5 p.m. (contact free pickup)
Thursday: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. (contact free pickup only)
Friday: 10 p.m. – 5 p.m. (contact free pickup only)
Saturday: 1 p.m. -5 p.m. (in-branch service)
Riverfront Library 
Monday-Thursday: 10 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Friday-Saturday: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Will Library
Monday-Thursday: 10 p.m. -7 p.m.
Friday-Saturday: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
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