Readers who miss the smell of books and the atmosphere of literacy can return to the Butler Area Public Library beginning Monday.

Library officials announced that the building on North McKean Street will reopen with limited hours and safety protocols in place.

The library, like many public buildings, closed March 14 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“We look forward to seeing our patrons once again, and we're doing everything we can to make sure everyone is safe and everyone stays healthy,” said Lori Hinderliter, the library's executive director, “and we're hoping everyone will do the same on their end.”

Hours will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; noon to 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; and 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays. The library will be closed Sundays.

Library personnel will take steps to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19 by maintaining six feet of social distancing, contactless pickup of held items, face coverings and following the sanitizing recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Library officials are asking patrons to help prevent transmission of germs as well.

Patrons are asked to not enter the library if they have or recently had a fever, cough, shortness of breath or are feeling unwell.

Those using the library are asked to wash their hands or use the sanitizer that will be available throughout the library, remain six feet from others, wear a face covering while inside the building, and follow directional signs and floor markings in the library.

To maintain social distancing, the availability of public computers will be limited to four units, which will be disinfected between each use.

Computer sessions will be limited to one hour, and units must be reserved by calling the library or visiting the reference desk on the library's second floor.

Books and other borrowed items can now be dropped off around the clock. Returned items will be quarantined for three days before being checked in, but fines will not be accrued during the quarantine period.

Visits to the genealogy department will be limited to Mondays, Thursdays and one Saturday per month.

Used genealogy research materials will be quarantined between those days, and work stations will be disinfected between users.

Sessions in the genealogy department will be limited to one hour, and sessions must be reserved by calling the library, but staff genealogists will be available to call or email from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

Those who are not yet comfortable returning to the library can continue to place items on hold for pickup by calling the library.

Grab and Go pickup allows patrons to retrieve their held items at the front door by appointment. The library staff will schedule a day and time for individual pickups.

Grab and Go patrons should notify the library staff that they want to pick up their items at the door when a staff member calls to tell the patron their items are ready for pickup.

Holds can be placed online at bcfls.tlcdelivers.com or by calling the library.

The summer reading program for students is being held virtually via the Beanstack program. Information on the program is available at butlerlibrary.info.

To reserve a computer or genealogy sessions, put a hold on items or speak to a librarian, call the library at 724-287-1715.