Please be advised that the Northside Library and Bookmobile will be closed until October 22nd, after a staff member reported testing positive for COVID-19. While this is unfortunate news, we are thankful that the individual is reporting mild symptoms. Based on the information reported, we do not believe any library patron had "close contact" with the individual, as defined by the CDC. 

As we have navigated the pandemic as an organization, our team and community's safety and health have been at the forefront of our decision-making process. Our safety guidelines and protocols remain in place: 

1. Face coverings and distancing. 
   KPL staff and community members are required to wear masks and physical distance while inside of our buildings. All service desks at KPL locations have plexiglass barriers installed. 
2. Increased cleaning.
   Our teams are diligently cleaning shared spaces and high touch areas throughout our buildings multiple times per day. 
3. Site-specific teams. 
   Our teams are scheduled for a specific location to reduce exposure risks. This does create a temporary shortage in staff as team members quarantine for extra precaution. Thank you for your patience. 
4. Quarantining returned items.
   A recent study suggests that library material is safe after 24 hours in quarantine. In response to the surge of cases throughout Wisconsin, KPL plans to continue our current practice of quarantining items for 96 hours until we see a decrease in state-wide cases.
5. Should you be exposed to or test positive for COVID-19, please don't return your library items until you are cleared by your physician to return to social settings. 
   We'll be glad to extend your due dates for as long as it takes to keep our library materials as clean and virus-free as possible. Simply give us a call at 262-564-6100. 
6. We have a limited capacity at all the buildings. 
   Our larger branches have large digital signs in the lobby that will tell you just how many more visitors we can let in at the moment. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we create the safest environments for all our guests.

Should you have any questions please feel free to reach out to Brandi Cummings at bcummings@mykpl.info or 262-564-6113.