To the editor:

Dear patrons and visitors to the Saranac Lake Free Library,

Due to the recent upsurge in COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Franklin County, and in conjunction with actions taken by the Franklin County Public Health department, the Saranac Lake Free Library will be temporarily suspending “in-person browsing” as of Tuesday, Nov. 17.

The SLFL will continue to offer all electronic resources and provide “walk-up service” to our patrons and visitors who still prefer and enjoy holding and reading actual books.

The SLFL did not make this decision lightly. The SLFL came to this conclusion after reviewing our COVID-19 Plan and as an active way to help mitigate any potential harm to our patrons and staff. It is in the expressed interest of protecting our patrons and staff — in particular the high-risk populations we serve and the high-risk populations who work and volunteer for us — that the library is returning to “walk-up service” only.

The SLFL will provide “walk-up service” from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and from 11 and to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. When coming to the SLFL, please remember to wear a mask. Thanks.

The safety of our patrons, volunteers and staff is always paramount in all our decision-making. We encourage any concerned patron, especially those in high-risk populations, to stay home if they are feeling ill or are simply concerned about potential exposure. We want all of our patrons, volunteers and staff and their families to stay safe and be well.

The SLFL is only closed to “in-person browsing.” Books are available for checkout from the SLFL and all our sister libraries. All of our electronic services are still available to all library card holders. If you are having difficulty navigating our catalogs, give us a call. All patrons can also take advantage of our very popular “Book Pack” program where you provide the library with your own personalized reading requirements or parameters, and a library staff member will choose books especially for you.

More information concerning the SLFL can be found at www.slfl.org, or you can email me at slfl.pete@gmail.com or phone the library at 518-891-4190.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we all work together in these difficult times.

Sincerely,

Pete Benson, director

Saranac Lake Free Library