Alva Public Library awarded CARES Act grant

The Oklahoma Department of Libraries (ODL) has awarded a $1000.00 PPE grant to Alva Public Library to help the library purchase personal protective equipment and supplies to keep staff and visitors safer during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Alva Public Library is one of 64 institutions to receive a grant from ODL courtesy of the federal CARES Act and the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). A total of $60,000 was distributed by ODL to address the coronavirus concerns of public libraries, tribal libraries, tribal cultural centers, museums, and historic sites in the state.

Director Sandra Ott, said the funding will be used to provide disinfecting stations and personal protective supplies for the library staff and patrons.

“It looks like we may be dealing with this virus for some time, so it’s very important that we follow CDC guidelines as we open up services to the public,” Director Ott said. “This grant will provide supplies we need to help reduce risk of exposure for our employees and customers. Our mission is to serve our community, and we want to continue that mission in the safest way we can,”

The Alva library at this time is open for regular hours: Monday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The stacks are closed to browsing but materials can be checked out. There are no seating areas available for use and no bathroom access.

Individuals can call the library and the staff will collect and check out the materials or patrons can come to the front desk to request materials. Due to social distancing only five people can be in the library at a time. Patrons under the age of 16 must come in with a parent.

Two Internet computers are available for public use and the staff can make copies and send faxes. Curbside checkout is available for those patrons that prefer not to come into the building.

All returned materials are quarantined for a week before they are shelved or available for check out.

Digital services are available through the library webpage and patrons are encouraged to check the library Facebook page on a daily basis for new information including new materials.

 

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