Elkhart Public Library plans to reopen Monday

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ELKHART COUNTY, Ind. -- The Elkhart Public Library closed its doors mid-March now six months later they are ready to welcome visitors back inside.

The library will be open for in-person services starting Monday, August 3, 2020. Their hours will be cut short and face masks will be enforced.

“We’re making it so people can browse, but we’re actually asking people to keep their visits short, and so we’re not offering things that people typically use for more extended stays at the library,” Mary Beth Schlavach, Elkhart Public Library Public Services Assistant Director said.

This means there won’t be any seating available throughout the library, no charging stations, and no toys and games in the children’s book section.

The Elkhart Public Library will continue to offer self-check-outs and book holds. But if you need to use their computer services, you’ll need to make an appointment. The library will have limited hours once they re-open and visitors are asked to keep their visits to 20 minutes or less.

“We are going to greet people at the door and they’re going to be given a ticket so they know what time they came in. So, they keep their visits short and that’s one way that we’re hopefully keeping traffic moving so we don’t have large groups congregating,” Schlavach said.

The new limited hours for Elkhart Public Library are:

  • Monday-Wednesday and Friday:  3 to 5:30 p.m.
  • Thursday:  3 to 7 p.m.
  • Saturday:  10 a.m. to noon

The library has offered services like curbside pick-up and virtual programs during the pandemic. For more information on their virtual programs visit their website at https://www.myepl.org/ and their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/myEPL

Elkhart Public Library has also partnered with the Elkhart County 4-H Fair for live storytelling at Heritage Park at the Fairgrounds on August 7. You can sign up on their website.

“It’s based for children nine and younger but everyone is welcome. For those who participate they’ll get to leave with a hula hoop there is limited spacing so they’d need to check out Facebook and website so they can reserve themselves a spot,” Schlavach said.

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