MARQUETTE — The Peter White Public Library in Marquette will be open for express walk-in services starting on Monday.

Express walk-in hours will be 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

The building has been closed to the public since March 13 due to restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Journal previously reported.

Library director Andrea Ingmire said the library’s staff are happy to invite patrons back into the building, even if it is on a limited basis.

“We are definitely excited to have people back in the library … to have people on site and in the building,” Ingmire said. “It is going to look different. That is the biggest thing. What we are going to be able to have available is going to be reduced because there are areas of the building that we just can’t open logistically. But we are going to do the best we can to meet all of the service needs that people have.”

Patrons are asked to “mask up” prior to entering the library and maintain the state-mandated six feet of distance from others, she said.

“If masks cannot be tolerated, we ask that you consider wearing a bandana or buff instead,” a PWPL press release states. “Those who are medically unable to tolerate a face covering of any kind are welcome to continue utilizing curbside library services.”

The library staff will wear masks and assist patrons from behind Plexiglas sneeze guards at each service desk. Furthermore, the staff is using new technology to provide remote and on-site patron assistance, the release states.

The curbside pickup option, which was implemented in June, will still be available for patrons who would prefer not to enter the building. The express walk-in and curbside pickup options will be staggered to ensure adequate capacity for both.

“We are really encouraging people to come in in an express capacity and not linger in the library, which is hard to say,” Ingmire said. “But for the safety of staff and the public, this is what we need to do right now.”

Lisa Bowers can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 242. Her email address is lbowers@miningjournal.net.