June 1, 2020: Patagonia Library Reopens Curbside Service
Read below for detailed description
June 1, 2020: Sonoita Library Reopened

The Sonoita Library has reopened with social distancing measures in place. Face masks are required. Please call to see when the library is open as they sort out staffing the library. They are cleaning every day, including all the books as they come in and out. For computer use: Only two people at a time, for 15 minutes and disinfecting the computer between uses.

The Sonoita Library is participating in a survey on how the county can repurpose the building housing the library. Go to https://www.survey- monkey.com/r/2PBSL9Z.

Patagonia Public Library Phased Reopening Plan 2020

Phase 1: Curbside Pickup 

  • Staff will be required to wear masks at all times while in the building. Gloves will be provided for handling books.
  • Patrons will place holds on items and staff will have their items ready for pickup. Staff will checkout materials onto patron’s account. Patrons will call when they are outside or schedule a time to pick items up and staff will meet them at their car. Or staff will place items in a bag with the patron’s name on it and patron will pick it up on the bench outside the front door. Patrons will pick up these items themselves, so that contact/exposure is reduced. 
  • Only items held by PPL will be available for holds. Interlibrary loan services will not resume at this time.
  • Staff will not accept returns directly; patrons will exclusively use the book drop to avoid person-to-person contact. 
  • Returns will be placed in Cady Hall, and will be quarantined for up to 72 hours before being checked-in and re-shelved. (The Library is continuing to promote health and safety within its facilities by increasing its practices of cleaning and sanitizing frequently touched surfaces. Please note that the Library is unable to comprehensively sanitize every single item that is checked out, and as such, customers are advised to wash their hands after handling materials and avoid touching their faces. We are setting items aside for three days since this is how long experts have said the virus may live on surfaces.)
  • Programming will remain virtual. 
  • Seeds will continue to be mailed to patrons.
  • Summer reading packets will be available for curbside pickup.
  • Limited hours: Pickup available 10 AM—12 PM, Monday—Saturday. This is subject to change as needed.
  • Volunteers will not be utilized in Phase 1. 
  • Phase 1 will last until it is deemed safe to move on to Phase 2. 

Phase 2: Partial Opening/ Library by Appointment 

  • Curbside Pickup and returns will continue as in Phase 1. 
  • Plexiglass guards will be installed at the front desk to protect staff and patrons.
  • Staff will reopen the Library by appointment, allowing a certain number of people in the library at one time. 
  • Patrons will be required to wear a mask inside of the Library. If they do not have a mask, they will be provided with one.
  • Temperature checks will be given to all patrons at the door. Anyone with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher will be asked to come back at a later time.
  • Furniture will be rearranged to encourage social distancing. Chairs will be removed around the reading tables so patrons do not sit too close to each other. The same will be done at the public computers. 
  • Hand sanitizing stations will be set up throughout the library.
  • Library visits will be limited to 30 minutes. Patrons should plan accordingly when visiting.
  • Computer time will be limited to one session a day for 30 minutes, and computers will be sanitized after each internet session. 
  • Copy and fax services will resume. If help is required, staff will assist at a distance of 6 ft.
  • Programming will remain virtual. 
  • Meeting Rooms will not be available during Phase 2. 
  • Volunteers will not be utilized in Phase 2. 
  • Phase 2 will last until it is deemed safe to move on to Phase 3. 

Phase 3: Library Open with Special Hours 

  • Staff will reopen the library, with the exception of in-person public programming and meeting room reservations.
  • Curbside pickup will be reduced to only those at-risk patrons. 
  • Toys and other special items will remain in storage in the children’s room. 
  • Special hours may be created for families with children or people with special needs. 
  • Time limits may still be needed inside the facility to prevent some patrons “lounging” all day. If there are restrictions on numbers of patrons (10 a facility, 20 a facility), staff will track that at the door and come up with a plan to ensure safety and fairness for all. 
  • Some volunteers will be utilized during Phase 3. 
  • Phase 3 will last until it is deemed safe to move on to Phase 4. 

Phase 4: Full Reopening of the Library 

  • The Library will open with regular hours and re-institute in-person programming. Some changes may still be evident such as distancing on computers and lounging areas.
Don’t see your update or business in our directory? Contact us with your updates, we want to include everyone in our service to the community. Email: prtasted@gmail.com or call 740-206-9594 and leave a message.

The Patagonia Public Library has been working on something really amazing for our patrons. We are proud to announce that Patagonia Public Library is now offering ebooks and audiobooks through OverDrive! All you need is your library card number and your phone number. Download the Libby app on the Apple Store or Google Play, or go directly to https://lltc.overdrive.com. Got more questions? Email us at info@patagoniapubliclibrary.org.

  • Modified Town Hall hours:  8:00 – 12:00pm
  • 4th Ave Public Bathrooms & Richardson Park slated to reopen July 1st.
  • Town posts up-to-date information about the Coronavirus and where to get further information, at the Town Hall
  • Regular Town Council Meetings will take place. Public is discouraged from attending although, not barred.  

March 19, 2020 The Town of Patagonia declares a local emergency.
Click here to read the proclamation