By DAVID DUPONT
BG Independent News
Back in early summer, Library Director Michael Penrod hoped services would be back to normal in fall.
Instead on Monday (Sept. 20) the Wood County District Library Board voted unanimously to go back to requiring those in the library to wear masks.
Trustee Becky Bhaer, who made the motion, said it was a hard decision, but it “seems like a small price to pay for people’s safety and being able to come in and use the library.”
Bhaer asserted that masks do work, and that if more people were vaccinated and wore masks the pandemic may be brought under control sooner.
Penrod said that the library could recommend or require the wearing of masks.
Trustee Ellen Dalton, who seconded the motion, said: “I’d like to see it as strict as possible.”
Trustees John Fawcett said having the requirement makes it simpler. “Requiring it eliminates the confusion of: do I or don’t I?”
The decision brings the library in line with other public entities.
County Health Commissioner Ben Robison recommended that the library require masks.
Penrod said he did ask staff about what they would prefer, and they were split.
Patrons were required to be masked when they were in the library, but that requirement was lifted at the end of May, though patrons were still encouraged to do so.
“Enforcement had become a rather difficult issue,” he said.
“Those in position to have to enforce the rule were much more hesitant.” Penrod did note that some of the staff members who indicated they did not want the requirement, do themselves wear facial coverings at work.
Penrod said when the library first required patrons wear masks, the prosecutor’s office had signed off. Patrons who do not want to wear masks have other ways of accessing services.
Board Chair Brian Paskvan asked that if patrons were required to wear masks would it make it possible for the library to offer more in-person programs.
Penrod said it would make it easier to pivot that way.
The library already is offering programming.
Much of the children’s programs have taken place outdoors. In Walbridge those programs had record participation.
Penrod said programs could be held even when the temperatures drop into the 50s.
The library is still maintaining its maximum occupancy of 63 people, including staff, and restricting patrons of one visit of no more than two-hours per day.
The library has hosted a number of adult programs, including author visits, virtually, and those have had good participation.
Still it’s too early to have a couple hundred people in the atrium for a concert, or 50 or more kids and parents together for a children’s program.
In conjunction with Downtown Bowling Green, the Christmas tree lighting will be held.
The library will have the hallway open so people can get out of the cold and use the restrooms. There will not be a concert after the tree lighting.
