[Michlib-l] Requiring Masks responses

[Rebecca Higgerson]

Thanks to everyone for your responses!!



On Mon, Jun 8, 2020 at 11:00 AM Rebecca Higgerson via Michlib-l <
michlib-l at mcls.org> wrote:

Dear Directors,

We are in the process of having our Reopening Policy approved by the Board
and one of the decisions we have to make is whether or not to require that
patrons wear a mask.  The alternative is to leave it up to whatever the
Executive Order states.  How are you handling the patron mask issue?

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We are opening on 6/22 for curbside service. Will probably open to the
public with restrictions — how many in the library, computer use by appt
only & at this time we do plan on requiring patrons to wear masks.



Here is an excerpt from Clare’s resource page on this issue:

“*CAN LIBRARIES REQUIRE PATRONS AND VISITORS TO WEAR PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
OR TO ENGAGE IN BEHAVIOR SUCH AS HAND WASHING, HAND SANITIZING OR
DISTANCING? *

Libraries can not require patrons to wear protective equipment, nor
handwash, but they can place hand sanitizer and tissues and garbage cans
strategically around high traffic areas, post signage requesting such
behavior, and protect the staff. Any behavior deemed intentional can be
handled according to library policies on unacceptable patron behavior.”



Our original policy from Anne S had people required to wear masks through
step 5 (the one right before return to normal).  The document she sent last
week has wearing of masks connected to the Executive Orders so it looks as
if we need to be under an EO requiring masks to make people wear them.  I
preferred the original policy!



We reopened today at 10 a.m.  We decided to post a request that patrons
comply with State guidelines but we will not insist they do so.  Our staff
will comply with all guidelines.  So far this is working well in our small
library.



I have a Board meeting next week but I'm recommending the board incorporate
a statement that says something like the library policies will reflect
whatever is required by E.O.  That way if we have a chronic violator we can
put them into the normal patron policies as if they refused to wear shoes
or a shirt.



We are requiring patrons to wear masks to enter – because that is what the
Executive Order says.

If they don’t want to wear a mask, we will see if we can get what they want
and bring it to them.  If they want to use a computer – tough luck.  If it
is a medical reason – we will do the same thing – but maybe consider giving
them a laptop for computer access in the vestibule or at an outside table
(tethered down).  If it is a religious reason (God doesn’t wear a mask), I
will ask them to remove their spectacles, hearing aids etc. and I may
consider it.



We are requiring a mask to enter the building, offering alternative
accommodations if patron cannot wear a mask (we will get their requested
items and leave for them curbside/outside for them to pick up). We are
supplying disposal masks for anyone without one, and will allow any type of
face-covering (shirt pulled up over nose and mouth, bandana, etc.



We are an academic library, so it's a little different for us. We will
require masks and limit the number of patrons in the library but also have
a few designated, isolated areas where commuting students can take off
their mask and study or use a computer. Considering there are students who
are on campus all day, it is unreasonable to require them to wear a mask
all day long. They will be required to wear one while in class or the
hallways, etc. I am ordering plexiglass corrals and using tape on the floor
along with small enclosed rooms or partitioned areas to designate as one
person only, unmasked area. This is all based on the current EO and
situation, so things may change. I also plan on ordering plastic bags for
the keyboards and computer mice instead of requiring students to wear
gloves while using the computers. It seems that it is easier for typing
over longer periods of time, we will see!



We posted signs on both interior and exterior doors with the relevant text
from the Governor’s latest EO, and left it at that. We are a very small
library, just one person here at a time, so any true enforcement would be
really difficult.  We also have extra disposable masks should a patron want
one.



At [our library] we are not allowing patrons back into the building until
July 6th and we are not requiring them to wear a mask, but we are STRONGLY
recommending that they do.  Staff will be wearing them once the public is
allowed back in the building.    We may find it necessary to tweak our
policy once we are up and running fully.



We got our policy from Anne Seurynk and just left in the text about “if
required by EO.” We can always change that if the Governor lifts the order
(or it expires) before we’re comfortable with it, but I suspect masks
requirements via EO (either state or county) will be with us for quite a
while (WHO just changed their recommendation to encourage masks for all in
public spaces), so I decided not to overthink it at this point. I would be
shocked if the reopening policies we are having approved right now will go
unaltered until we are “back to normal.”



We are a small library with a small budget. As all of us know, enforcing
the mask rule has been met with some resistance by the public. I can't
afford to hire security and the safety of our staff is very important. We
decided to offer an incentive to the public for wearing a mask. We will
waive up to $5 in fees per day for anyone wearing a mask. This includes
print fees, fax fees, or late fees.  It's a win-win for us right. We don't
want to handle money right now anyway.



[Our Library] is following the executive order regarding patrons and
masks.  Our staff is required to wear a mask and they are doing so
happily.  I'm sure some of our patrons will not wear masks, although we
will offer patrons who don't wear masks a free paper mask.  Since masks are
such a political issue, unfortunately, I'm sure we will have some patrons
who are looking for an argument and I don't want our employees to get
involved.



Our policy calls for adherence to Executive Orders. We don't feel that our
patrons would be receptive to having to use a mask if it was not required
by the Governor. Hope that helps!



[Our Library] Board approved pandemic addendums to our patron code of
conduct, which includes that masks will be required for patrons age 5 years
old and up.



The Executive Order, when it requires libraries to reopen based on the
retail sector limitations and regulations in the order that opened that
sector, requires patrons to wear masks.  The “if medically able”
qualification is not in the order, but one would assume it would apply.
The order also requires a sign on the door stating the mask requirement.
If you are following the order, you are requiring masks.  We are.  Now, I
will use my judgment to avoid being shot over the requirement.



We are leaving it to the executive order. But we're not currently in an
area with a high rate of spread and neither I nor my staff want to deal
with frequent, potentially negative interactions. We'll have clear signage
indicating people who are medically able to do so are required to wear
masks in the building per EO for as long as that persists. If someone comes
in not wearing a mask and coughing or behaving in some manner that causes
alarm among staff and/or patrons, I will speak with them and ask if we can
provide them service at curbside or in a space away from the general public
(not sure where that space will be yet... *sigh.*



Because the EO says masks are required in enclosed public spaces the policy
the board approved last week says they are required. Our attorney, Anne
Seurynck isn't sure libraries can do that legally so if it changes once the
task force working on library guidelines gives us information we will
change it from required to strongly encouraged. This is all so confusing
and it's hard to stay on top of things as they change constantly.



Our policy states that while the EOs require masks to worn patrons must
wear masks.



EO right now says MUST wear.  My attorney said we have to follow her.
Hoping she lifts this by the time we open to the public which is June 29th.



As I understand it, we are requiring the patrons to wear masks but if they
refuse we cannot force them. We have a large supply available if they do
not have one with them.



Our policy will be if the executive order requires masks indoors, then yes,
we will require them for everyone.  Our response will be that we are
following the law/rules that have been required of us to have our doors
open.   If the executive order states that masks are no longer required,
then we won't require patrons to wear them.



[Our] Library is a small Class II library in a rural county.  Our whole
county has not been good at following the face mask requirement.  Our
reopening plan states that face masks are required by staff and patrons as
long as it is mandated in the EOs.  While they are required, we are not
going to be able to enforce it.  Our signage will say "for the safety of
our staff, please wear your face mask".



We are requiring patrons to wear masks unless medically unable.  Also
providing disposable masks for those who do not have.









*Rebecca Higgerson*

Director

Brandon Twp Public Library

304 South Street

Ortonville MI 48462

248-627-1474



*ENGAGE • EDUCATE • ENRICH • EMPOWER*
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