Colby Community Library lifts mask requirement

Following the lead of the Colby School District, which repealed its school-wide mask mandate last month, the Colby Community Library will no longer be requiring masks to be worn indoors, “I think we make the mask optional, and we go along with the schools,” trustee Nancy O’Brien. “We can’t keep changing these rules . . . .if people want to wear a mask, wear a mask. ”

CCL director Vicky Calmes did encourage patrons to continue wearing masks, citing the health and safety of the library’s volunteers.

“I surveyed the volunteers, and there are volunteers that are in treatment for cancer issues, and there are some volunteers that are caring for elderly or compromised immune systems.

“The volunteers that are cleared now did say they would be more comfortable with the spacing and masking for them.”

The CCL did ask those who are showing COVID-19 symptoms to stay home.

Large indoor gatherings and group events at the CCL are still on hold. The playroom will likely remain closed until May. Calmes said she is looking to open it up with some “pizzazz” as the CCL runs its ‘Oceans of Possibility” science theme through the summer.

Other amenities such as curb-side pick-up will continue. Calmes expects the drinking fountains to be up and running, though it will likely have to go through an inspection, as the fountains have not been in use since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

The board asks that patrons be respectful of those wearing masks, and to try to keep spacing to six feet apart, but does not anticipate problems moving forward.

“People don’t take a second look. They look around and go ‘Oh, I better wear a mask,’” board president Lee Kachinska said. “It’s not the same way it was two years ago. With the schools going optional. . . we should follow along with the

schools.”