News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
McMinville’s Magness Library has reopened with the majority of services now available.
Magness Library Director Brad Walker said the library board’s decision is based on Warren County Schools returning to in-person learning after Fall Break. Guests can now browse the books and use the computer lab, which Walker said is essential to his community.
“Everybody thinks everybody has an iPhone or an Android phone or a tablet or something but a lot of people still do not have those in rural areas,” Walker said. “That’s just like where I live out in the country, most people out there didn’t have internet until 5 years ago and even then it’s still spotty at times.”
Walker said the library is still not allowing meetings, and removing chairs from tables. The library is requesting masks and that guests limit browsing to 30 minutes.
“It’s just common courtesy basically is all we’re asking from people,” Walker said. “Trying to be open so that they can have the resources that we have available to them.”
Walker said keeping resources available is important to the people using them during the pandemic. Whether it’s for entertainment or human interaction.
“A lot of people are not used to being trapped in their houses right now and not be able to go out and be in social settings,” Walker said. “It makes a lot of problems for them.”
Computers are being limited to six instead of the usual 20 computers. Previously, the library was allowing guests to do curbside check out on books and laptops.
