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Governor Expands Re-Opening Libraries to All Counties Beginning May 15

Governor Reynolds signed a new proclamation allowing libraries in all Iowa counties to re-open beginning May 15. As previously announced, libraries in 22 counties (Allamakee, Benton, Black Hawk, Bremer, Dallas, Des Moines, Dubuque, Fayette, Henry, Iowa, Jasper, Johnson, Linn, Louisa, Marshall, Muscatine, Polk, Poweshiek, Scott, Tama, Washington, and Woodbury) were ordered to remain closed but libraries in the other 77 counties were allowed to begin re-opening on May 1.

The new proclamation limits the number of patrons present in the building to 50% of its maximum legal occupancy and stipulates that libraries must implement reasonable measures to ensure social distancing of employees and patrons and increase hygiene practices. These limitations will remain in effect until 11:59 p.m. on May 27, 2020.

Re-Opening Resources

• Refer to the State Library’s Re-Opening Considerations as you develop plans to re-open your library to the public.
• See answers to frequently asked Legal Questions on Re-Opening Libraries, developed by Mandy Easter, State Library Law Librarian and Consultant.
• To help determine your library’s 50% legal occupancy number, see this resource from the State Fire Marshal’s Office: State Fire Marshal Guidance for Estimating Occupant Capacity During COVID-19.

Obtaining PPE and Disinfectant/Hand Sanitizer

• Check with local government officials for contracts, etc.
• The State of Iowa has master agreements with several vendors that offer PPE and sanitizing products that libraries are able to use:

• Office Depot- Contact Julie Janssen at Julie.Janssen@iowa.gov or 515-281-5602.
• Staples- Contact Julie Janssen at Julie.Janssen@iowa.gov or 515-281-5602.
• Grainger- Call 1-800-Grainger (1-800-472-4643) or use the Chat at www.grainger.com. Customer service will identify a library's account, or create an account for a library if one does not exist and assist with ordering. Browse Grainger COVID-19 Recovery Products.
• Fastenal- Follow State of Iowa Ordering Instructions.

Report Re-Openings to Track when IA Shares Delivery Can Resume

As a reminder, the State Library is tracking the number of libraries that re-open in order to determine when to resume IA Shares delivery. In order for delivery to restart and the full routes to run efficiently, a minimum of 330 public libraries must be open and able to accept deliveries on their designated day.

In order to track when this threshold is met, we are asking directors to complete the form at the link below once a re-opening date has been set for your library.

Report a Library Re-Opening Date