The Youth Services Department of the Glenview Pubic Library will be closed until at least Friday due to a positive coronavirus case, but the rest of the library will remain open.
Library officials announced the department closure Tuesday, saying a staff member working in the Youth Services Department recently reported testing positive for COVID-19 and that a second staff member is reporting symptoms.
“While this is unfortunate news, we are thankful that both individuals are reporting mild symptoms,” officials posted on the library website.
The staff member with an official diagnosis last worked in the library Aug. 6 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The second employee reporting symptoms last worked on Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m, according to library spokeswoman Hilary Gabel.
Officials said they will not release employee names or personal information due to confidentiality laws.
Library officials do not believe any patrons had “close contact” with either of the individuals, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC defines close contact as being within 6 feet of someone for at least 15 minutes, with varying factors.
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Still, officials recommend that anyone who has recently visited the Youth Services Department and may be feeling symptoms get tested.
Based on the library’s floor plan, Youth Services is located on the first floor in the rear of the building, past a browsing section of fiction books, music and DVDs.
While Youth Services is closed, staff said they will deep clean and disinfect all surfaces and areas, and all employees working in the department are required to self-quarantine and get tested.
Any staff member with a confirmed case of COVID-19 must receive two negative results before returning to work, according to officials.
The Youth Services department will remain closed through at least Friday, Gabel said. Staff will reexamine the situation later this week to determine a reopening date.
“The Glenview Public Library continues to follow guidelines established by public health officials and is taking every precaution to protect the health and safety of staff and patrons,” Gabel wrote in an email. “We appreciate the understanding and support of our community during this challenging time.”
Glenview Public Library reopened in July with changes including masks, social distancing and an hour each morning reserved for vulnerable patrons.
The rest of the library will stay open for now, according to officials, but patrons must continue to make reservations for one-hour time slots on their website or by phone to visit the library.
Those who don’t want to enter the building can also check out materials by phone or website for pickup at the library’s drive-up window.
Twitter: @kaitlinedquist