The Tuscaloosa Public Library re-extended its hours for his main branch on Jack Warner Parkway Sunday. In addition to its regular Tuesday-Saturday 10 - 4 p.m. schedule, the branch will be open on Sundays from 2 - 6 p.m.

"We are extremely excited to offer more access to the public during these unusual times. It is great to see the patrons again," said Vince Bellofatto, TPL's director of communications and public relations.

These additional hours come after the library's initial closing in March, and reopening back in June with new safety measures installed in response to COVID-19.

In compliance with city and state-wide ordinances, all staff and patrons are required to wear a face covering before entering the building. Protective barriers, social-distancing spacing, and hand sanitizer stations have been placed throughout the building as well.

Coming off the heels of the TPL-sponsored Bama Bug Fest: On the Web (an in-person event moved online), Bellofatto said they're looking at hosting future events in person again, but taking this reopening one step at a time.

The other Tuscaloosa Library branches will be opening sometime later in August, although all book drops are currently open. As for the main branch, occupancy is limited to 50 patrons at a time, all of whom are encouraged to make quick trips, or otherwise take advantage of curbside pickup for books by calling 205-722-7143.

Resources in the library are still limited: computer access is restricted to 8 seats, each limited to 30-minute uses. While the library still offers circulation services, the upstairs copiers and reference services are not open.

Despite that, the Tuscaloosa Public Library is still making efforts to remain an active and engaging space for patrons, hosting several virtual events within the next month, all of which can be found here. Bellofatto stated that although TPL is playing this reopening schedule by ear, they hope all library services will be fully open to the public soon.

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