Monday Briefing - May 10, 2021

Update on COVID-19 Restrictions

Starting May 19, there will be a significant number of restrictions lifted across the State on businesses, gatherings, and venues.

Some of the highlights from the press release below include:

• Most Industry Capacity Restrictions Beginning May 19 Given Vaccination Progress and COVID-19 Case Decline;
• Business Capacity Limits to Be Replaced with Space Available to Maintain Six Feet of Social Distancing;
• Outdoor Social Gathering Limit Increases to 500 on May 10;
• Indoor Social Gathering Limit Increases to 250 on May 19;
• Outdoor Residential Gathering Limit is Removed and Indoor Residential Gathering Limit Increases to 50; and
• Large-Scale Indoor Venue Capacity Increases to 30% and Large-Scale Outdoor Venue Capacity Increases to 33%, Proof of Vaccination or Recent Negative Test Still Required.

While most industry capacity restrictions will be lifted, industry-specific requirements will remain in effect for a longer period of time, including state or local health authority event notification, health screening, contact information for tracing, enhanced air handling and building system standards, hand hygiene, and environmental cleaning and disinfection protocols. The State will continue to provide additional guidance on these provisions as they apply to each industry.

Source: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-governor-murphy-and-governor-lamont-announce-significant-easing-covid-19

Delivery Update from Suzanne

As announced to Directors on Tuesday, we are updating some of the Delivery Routes starting Monday, May 17.

The schedule, as well as other relevant documents, can be found here: https://docs.owwl.org/Members/DeliveryGuidelines

As a reminder, are working to onboard a new Driver and cover a temporary leave. We appreciate your patience and understanding if/when routes have been canceled or delayed.

Also, we are looking to add one more Driver to our team for two routes--Thursdays at 6 am and Friday at 10 am. The full posting and application are below. If you know of anyone that would be interested in picking up a few hours a week, send the info along to them!

• Delivery Driver Posting May 2021.pdf
• PLS Employment Application.pdf

Office Hours for Trustees - Tuesday, May 18 at 5:00 PM

Next week, Suzanne and I will be hosting Trustee Office Hours. You and your trustees are welcome to log on to ask any questions. Please register to receive the link .

Discussion Points:

• Ron and Suzanne will be available for library questions.
• Trustees can log on at any time to ask questions or listen.

Click here to register.

ICYMI: Evergreen Notes

• The search box on the staff home screen has been removed due to a bug that affected multi-word queries. For now, you may perform catalog searches by using either of the two options on the home page or by using the "Search the Catalog" options available in the Search or Cataloging menus. If you still see the search box on the home screen, you may have to clear your cache (but not your cookies; always keep your cookies). Click here for a list of other known bugs.
• Due to a server error, printed overdue notices were not posted from April 22 until May 5. These notices were retroactively posted on 5/5.
• EAC has asked that library staff please sign and date Alert Messages. Click here to find updated guidance on OWWL Docs.

Harold Hacker Grant from RRLC

RRLC is pleased to announce that the 2021 Harold Hacker Fund for the Advancement of Libraries grant application is now open! Applications are due by 11:59pm on May 21, 2021.

This grant is sponsored by the Friends & Foundation of the Rochester Public Library. All RRLC member libraries and library systems, all Pioneer Library System libraries, and all Monroe County Library System libraries are eligible to apply.

NEW THIS YEAR: At FFRPL’s request, over the next three years, proposals addressing inclusion, diversity, equity, and action (IDEA) within the funding areas above will be given additional consideration.

Please see the Harold Hacker Grant page for full details and to download the application.

Rerun: Construction Grant Reminder

The Intent to Apply for a FY 2022 Construction Grant is June 25. You can find a timeline and other construction-related info here; https://docs.owwl.org/Members/ConstructionGrants