Amidst all of the COVID-19 restrictions, the Portage Regional Library has continued its services to the community.

Head Librarian Richard Bee outlines activities that have changed to open things up a bit more.

"So, a few big things," says Bee. "First, starting this week, we will actually be reopened again for Wednesday and Thursday evenings. However, because we are anticipating a shortage of staff due to the upcoming flu season, we're not going to be open in the mornings to the public. So, basically on Wednesday and Thursday, our public hours will be 1 until 8. Staff will be in the building from 9 till 1. So, if people need to contact us, they can feel free to call in and we'll be able to assist them that way."

He says they formerly set strict hours on July 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the entire week.

"Starting this week, we're opening for evening hours and we do have some very limited seating being placed out now, too," continues Bee. "A lot of this is due to providing a chance for any students in the community who maybe need to have an extra study space giving them an opportunity to come and use the library if they feel that's helpful for them."

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"Currently, we are not making it mandatory for people to wear masks," notes Bee. "We do request that everyone who is coming into the building to be wearing masks, but we know full well there's a lot of individuals who might not have a mask, or it might be too difficult for them to wear a mask as well, so we're trying to make it convenient for them to come in as well. If it ever gets to the point where masks are going to be mandatory, then we will for sure impose that."