The Forsyth Township Public Library in Gwinn has been open for limited indoor services since June 25. The library is currently in Phase 3 of its reopening plan, which allows for indoor service on a limited capacity. (Photo courtesy of Forsyth Township Public Library)

GWINN — Local businesses and organizations have made extensive adjustments to their services amid the COVID-19 pandemic and the Forsyth Township Public Library is no exception.

Although adjusting to the “new normal” of the pandemic has posed some challenges, the library staff has worked to continue providing programs and services to the community since it reopened in late June.

That includes offering curbside pickup for materials, summer reading programs, 24/7 WiFi access in the parking lot, computer access by appointment and more.

The library is currently in phase three of its reopening plan, which allows socially distant indoor service to resume under protocols put in place to help ensure library users’ health and safety.

The library offered its curbside service for two weeks leading up to reopening and continues to provide the service for those who are not yet comfortable going inside a public building.

“We’re still delivering items to people’s vehicles,” library director Leslie Makela said. “We still have a few people who are taking advantage of that.”

Summer programs have also been able to continue in a socially distant manner.

“We’ve been able to hold our entire summer reading program with minimal contact,” Makela added. “The kids are still receiving their free books, craft bags, prize bags and everything else at our walk-up window. They can still come in and pick out books, but in order to cut down on congestion, most of our activities were done at the window.”

The library is required to follow the same state guidelines as retail businesses.

While there’s no specific capacity limit due to the size and location of the library, Makela and her team are doing their part to ensure a safe experience for those who enter the building.

“We’re sort of operating as a retail space,” she said. “Since we’re less than 50,000 square feet and in the Upper Peninsula, there’s not necessarily a capacity limit, but we’re continuing to maintain social distancing by having limited seating. We only have four public computers right now, all six feet apart. We blocked off half of our seating so anywhere you sit, you’re at least six feet away from somebody else.

Appointments are preferred for computer usage, but Makela said exceptions can be made for walk-ups. Furthermore, the staff is cleaning equipment and other high-touch areas constantly.

“We clean every machine between uses,” she said. “Several times a day, we’re wiping down door handles, tables in front of the circulation desk and any other area where any touching might be involved.”

With classes now back in session at Gwinn Area Community Schools, the library staff is happy that services are open and available for children.

“We’re thankful to be open and the community is thankful we’re here,” Makela said. “We’ve had several teens coming in after school this week and utilizing the places we have available for sitting. They bring their laptops and do their homework. We also have a large home-school community here in Forsyth Township. We provide 24/7 WiFi that reaches to the parking lot, which a lot of adults have been using as well. We’ve always sort of had that, but it’s never been used to the extent that it is right now. We’re seeing more people than we (are) used to using the WiFi from their vehicles.”

The library has also taken advantage of Nordeen Park across the street, coordinating a StoryWalk, a program founded by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vermont, where kids can walk through the park and read a story as they go. The library launched its StoryWalk on Monday with the classic “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” by author Michael Rosen and illustrator Helen Oxenbury.

Makela said the story walk has been well received by the public and hopes to do another one sometime down the line. With Gilbert Elementary and Gwinn Middle/High Schools near the park, she also hopes some teachers will take advantage of that.

“The StoryWalk has been used a lot and the weather has been really nice for it,” she said. “Essentially, you start on the first page of the book and make your way around the park as you go through it. With two schools within walking distance, we hope some teachers take advantage and bring their classes out to do the walk and get some fresh air.”

The library is currently open five days a week, with hours from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. The library is closed on Saturday and Sunday. Masks are required for those who can medically tolerate them, and materials are quarantined for up to 96 hours upon return.

For more information on the services the library is currently providing and the library’s COVID-19 guidelines, visit www.forsythtwplibrary.org or call 906-346-3433.

“Our community has been very supportive of us being open,” Makela said. “We’ve all had to get used to doing things in a new way. We’re getting by and getting adjusted to this new normal.”

Ryan Spitza can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 248. His email address is rspitza@miningjournal.net.