Huron's library closes after staffer tests positive

HURON — Huron Public Library closed Thursday after a staff member their spouse reported testing positive for COVID-19. All staff members have been asked to quarantine and to take new tests for COVID-19, said Vikki Morrow-Ritchie, the library's director. The library hopes to reopen in two weeks, on Nov. 13, once the 14-day quarantining period has passed, Morrow-Ritchie said. But the library, which serves as the voting location for two precincts, will be open on Tuesday for Election Day voting, said the library director. She said she has discussed the situation with the Erie County Election Board. "It's far too late in the game to switch the location," she said. "It would be very difficult to notify people." Book drops at the library will be closed for two weeks, due dates for items currently checked out will be pushed back, and items being held for patrons will remain on hold until pickups can resume. Like other libraries, Huron's library has had to adjust to changing pandemic conditions. It reopened on Sept. 14 after previously offering curbside service. Morrow-Ritchie said because Huron is a member of the CLEVNET library network, patrons with Huron Public Library cards may check out materials from other CLEVNET libraries, such as Sandusky Library and Milan-Berlin Library. Huron Public Library materials can be returned to other CLEVNET libraries, she said. As library hours and policies change constantly during the pandemic, it's best to check the latest news at the library's Facebook page or website before driving to another library, she said. Digital content, including ebooks and audiobooks, remains available to Huron Public Library patrons.