Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is committed to reopening with a safe environment. As we move from closure to a complete reopening through a phased approach, we have four guiding principles including: safety; deliberateness; defining minimum services; and learning from others. Our plan (see below) was approved by our Board of Trustees. We look forward to resuming services and serving our customers in our branch locations. Please see below for details on the multilevel plan of our reopening. Components are subject to change. 

• Materials and holds available for pickup inside the branches

• One customer allowed inside a branch at a time

• Minimized footprint in locations, access is limited (no restrooms available)

• Customer time in location limited

• Staff interaction minimal and at a distance

• All Library staff will wear face masks or coverings, and, as of June 26, 2020 at 5 p.m., customers are required to wear face masks or coverings in accordance to North Carolina state guidelines

• Programming available exclusively online at cmlibrary.org

• No overdue fines assessed

• Materials have 4-day quarantine before checked in, customers may notice this on their dashboard/account​

• Mobile printing available for pick up from the branch

• ​All material/book drops remain closed. Return materials and books to the designated receptacles located at branch locations only during open hours. Signs will direct customers to the proper bin where returned materials will begin the quarantine process.

• Resumption of regular summer hours Monday-Thursday (9 a.m.-8 p.m.) and Friday-Saturday (9 a.m.-5 p.m.)

• All Library staff will wear face masks or coverings, and, as of June 26, 2020 at 5 p.m., customers are required to wear masks or face coverings in accordance with North Carolina state guidelines.

• Managed number of customers​ in a branch at a time

• Customers can browse for books and use express computers by reservation at all branch locations EXCEPT Cornelius, Davidson and ImaginOn locations

• Use of social distancing safety markers​

• Streamlined self-checkout designed for quick, in-and-out and safe, socially distanced interactions

• Staff interaction minimal and at a distance

• Materials and holds are available for pickup inside the branches

• All checkouts are self-checkouts. You can scan your card (physical or on the app) and the materials. You will not need to enter your pin

• Mobile printing available for pickup from the branch

• All material/book drops remain closed. Return materials and books to the designated receptacles located at branch locations only during open hours. Signs will direct customers to the proper bin where returned materials will begin the quarantine process.

• Fines and fees continue to be suspended

• Programming continues online

• Sign up for a Library card online or in person.

• No seating​ available

• Face masks/coverings are REQUIRED per Mecklenburg County directives. The Library is aware of the May 14, 2021 Executive Order by NC Governor Roy Cooper lifting the indoor face covering mandate. However, the Library aligns its policy with the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) which currently requires face coverings while on County property.

• Managed maximum number of customers in a branch at a time

• Use of social distancing safety markers

• Ability to browse for materials

• Option to use express computers (through in-branch reservation only) at branch locations EXCEPT Cornelius, Davidson and ImaginOn Libraries

• Streamlined self-checkout designed for quick in-and-out and safe, socially-distanced interactions

• Mobile printing is available for pickup from the branch

• Wi-Fi access is available outside the facility 24/7

• Free mobile hotspots are available for customers to place on hold for checkout for seven (7) days at a time

• Materials and holds available for pickup inside the branches

• All checkouts are self-checkouts. You can scan your card (physical or on the app) and the materials. You will not need to enter your pin

• All material/book drops are open

• Programming continues online

• Sign up for a Library card online or in person

• No seating available

• Face coverings are REQUIRED in Library branches. Beginning Tuesday, August 17, 2021, in accordance with Mecklenburg County guidelines, face coverings must be appopriately worn by Library visitors, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.  We serve everyone in our community, even the most vulnerable populations, and consideration for the safety of all is imperative. Also regarding masks:

  Face coverings do not need to be worn by someone who:  

  • Should not wear a face covering due to any medical or behavioral condition or disability (including, but not limited to, any person who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious or incapacitated, or is otherwise unable to put on or remove the Face Covering without assistance);   
  • Is actively eating or drinking;  

  • Anyone who declines to wear a face covering for any of these exemptions will not be required to produce documentation or any other proof of a condition. Everyone is asked to tell the truth – and if they are healthy and able to wear a face covering – to wear a face covering so that they do not put other people at risk of serious illness and death.    

  • Is seeking to communicate with someone who is hearing-impaired in a way that requires the mouth to be visible;  
  • Is giving a speech or performance for a broadcast, or to an audience, where they maintain a distance of at least 20 feet from the audience (the audience is still required to wear a face covering if indoors);  
  • Is temporarily removing their face coverings at work, as determined by local, state, or federal regulations or workplace safety guidelines;  
  • Has found their face covering is impeding visibility to operate equipment or a vehicle.   
  • Under 5 years of age.
  • Medical exemptions apply; those with medical exemptions can wear a face shield if they choose.
  • Face shields alone (without a face covering/mask) are not acceptable.  Customers can wear a face shield if they are also wearing an appropriately positioned face covering/mask.
• ​Managed number of customers​

• Social distancing markers​

• Limited seating available​

• Computer access​ with expanded time limits 

• Limited programming in locations​

• Printing/copying/scanning access (self-serve)

• Full customer service

• Full customer capacity​

• Normal branch operations, including normal open hours

• Full in-person and special virtual/online programming offerings

• Meeting room and study room reservations

• Full seating available

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MAY 17, 2021 STATEMENT - CHARLOTTE MECKLENBURG LIBRARY  REOPENING UPDATE 

The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library reopening plan aligns with planning and guidelines from Mecklenburg County, the State of North Carolina and the CDC. The health and safety of our customers and staff are the highest priority variable determining when and how service will be restored. 

While Library locations currently offer limited in-person services, the Library continues to serve customers with extensive online and virtual programming, along with expanded digital resource offerings, all of which can be accessed through cmlibrary.org. As of July 1, 2021, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library no longer assesses fines on late or overdue materials. Click here for more information about the Library's fine-free policy.

The Library will post further updates on reopening plans on the Library's website and social media platforms.