Another public facility has reopened in our area. Rockford Public Library is reopening the doors and the experience is going to be very different. Much like every other business or public space, there plenty of changes at RPL to take notice of. Gone are the days of walking in, grabbing your book, and checking out.

Back in June, Rockford Public Library locations were forced to closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and as Illinois slowly "reopens", library officials set a plan in place following the direction of the government and local health officials. This place first and foremost includes all entrants wearing a face mask. It is an absolute must. And, unsurprisingly, social distancing will be in full effect as well.

There are even more changes coming to Rockford Public Library locations. Based on the information shared by WIFR, there may not be much interaction between staff and residents.

You will need your library card or reciprocal library card number in order to check out materials.

It sounds like you won't be able to ask a staff member for your library card number, so make sure it is with you before arriving. And, RPL will not be a place for you to sit down and read, either.

Meeting rooms are also closed for now and some furniture is sectioned off so customers know it’s not a place to hang out and linger.

All-in-all, it is good that another public location has reopened despite the on-going fight against COVID-19. Just remember, wear your mask indoors. Sometimes the mask isn't fun or comfortable but it's not about us, it's about those we're protecting.


JB Love is ½ of  Q98.5's Lil Zim & JB In The Morning, weekday mornings from 5:00 a.m. to 10 a.m. Follow him on Twitter, Instagram.

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