As of March 29, the Winona Public Library (WPL) reopened for patrons to browse the stacks for the first time in a year.
Readers could enter the 122-year-old building to hunt for books for the first time since the pandemic began for 20 minutes at a time.
Sadly, the reopening for browsing lasted fewer than five days before WPL announced it would be shuttering again due to a COVID exposure that week. Staff tentatively said browsing might resume late next week or early the following week. However, curbside pickup and item returns would continue throughout.
Like many aspects of reopening in recent months, the degree to which area libraries allow access varies from place to place. For example, Rochester’s public library began an express browsing option March 11 where no appointment is necessary and patrons are allowed 30 minute time slots. The Blue Earth County Library in Mankato, Minn., has one-hour time slots, also with no appointment required. However, appointments are re