September 2021 Update - Library Moves to Phase 6, Masks Still Required
August 2021 Update - Library Remains in Phase 5, Masks Once Again Required
Effective August 11, 2021, the City of East Lansing will require employees and the public to wear masks indoors in City buildings and facilities, including the library, regardless of vaccination status. Read the full statement from City Manager George Lahanas.
July 2021 Update - Library Moves to Phase 5, Re-Opens With Full Summer Hours
Phase 5 starts on July 6, 2021
Thank you to all of our patrons and visitors for your tremendous patience and support throughout 2020 and 2021 as the East Lansing Public Library (ELPL) navigated through the COVID 19 pandemic. We appreciate you!
On July 6, the library will resume our pre-pandemic service hours and expand computer use to four hours per session per visit. The library will continue to follow MIOSHA, MDHHS and CDC guidelines and gradually relax pandemic restrictions moving forward.
After July 6 our hours will be as follows:
Monday - Thursday open from 10am to 9pm
Friday open from 10am to 6pm
Saturday open from 10am to 6pm
Sundays closed for the summer through Labor Day weekend
Curbside Pickup Services and 24/7 Locker Pickup, opens a new window for hold pickups will continue to be offered.
If you have questions about these changes please don't hesitate to call the library at 517-351-2420 during our open hours.
-Last updated June 18, 2021 at 10:30am
Phase 1: Curbside Pickup Service and Materials by Mail. Building Remains Closed.
- Starting on June 15, 2020, the East Lansing Public Library will offer curbside pickup service. The Curbside Pickup schedue is Tuesday through Friday from 12pm to 6pm by appointment only.
- Starting on June 22, 2020, ELPL will offer Materials by Mail to those patrons who are unable to participate in curbside pickup.
- A limited number of staff will start working the weeks of June 8 and June 15.
- Virtual programming will continue for the foreseeable future.
- Digital services will continue to be available at all times.
- Returned items continue to be quarantined for at least a week before shelving.
Phase 2: Curbside Pickup Service and Materials by Mail. Building Remains Closed.
- Curbside pickup continues.
- Materials by Mail continues.
- Staff trained on PPE.
- Staff trained on cleaning techniques.
- Staff areas are reconfigured for social distancing.
- Shipping and receiving of deliveries resume.
- Continue to offer virtual events and programs.
- Returned items continue to be quarantined for at least a week hours before shelving.
Phase 3: Curbside Pickup Service and Materials by Mail. Building Remains Closed
- The public space of the library will be reconfigured to allow for social distancing.
- Plexiglass shields will be installed at the service desk.
- Signs will be posted reminding patrons of social distancing; to wash their hands; masks are required to be worn while in the library.
- All necessary PPE in place and staff trained on PPE and cleaning guidelines.
- Areas of the library will be cordoned off.
- Continue to offer virtual events and programs.
- Returned items continue to be quarantined for at least a week before shelving.
Phase 4: Library Welcomes Patrons into the Building—Limited Hours and Services
- The building opens to public on a limited basis. Essential services will be limited to grab-and-go service. A few chairs will be available.
- Library hours limited.
- Library visits only 60 minutes per patron
- Limited number of computers available for use—one 60 minute session, per user, per day. If you need to use a computer in the library you must wear a mask.
- All patrons ages five years and older will be required to wear masks or face coverings while in the building. If you are unable to wear a mask library staff will retrieve the materials you want and bring them out to you. At this time, if you need to use a computer in the library you must wear a mask.
- Children ages nine years and younger must be accompanied by a responsible caregiver 15 years of age or older.
- Capacity will be limited.
- Study rooms 2, 3, and 4 may have up to two people in them at a time - socially distanced.
- Restrooms will be open in the main lobby and the inclusive restroom only.
- Drinking fountains will be closed.
- Curbside pickup service and Materials by Mail will continue.
- Continue to offer virtual events and programs.
- Returned items continue to be quarantined for 24 hours before shelving.
Phase 5: Gradual Return of Full-scale Library Services
- Gradually increase occupancy level based on the guidelines from the city/county/state.
- Gradually increase hours.Gradually add limited in-person events and classes for adults.
- Gradually add limited in-person events for youth.
- Add limited number of Maker Studio hours.
- Add limited number of large meeting room hours.
- Continue to offer virtual events and programs.
- Continue to emphasize good hygiene and cleaning/sanitizing standards.
- Continue to emphasize social distancing.
- Returned items continue to be quarantined for 24 hours before shelving.
- May be able to relax some of the items on the Pandemic Patron Code of Conduct.
Phase 6: Full-scale Library Services
- Full restoration of all library services.
- Increase in-person events, classes and meetups.
- Normal operating hours restored.
- Library fully staffed.
- May begin to accept material donations and may be able to open the Friendshop
- May be able to relax some of the items on the Pandemic Patron Code of Conduct.
