Library reinstates mask order

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Poplar Bluff Municipal Library has followed in the footsteps of Butler County Courthouse and will now require face masks for all visitors to the building.

The announcement was made Friday afternoon by library officials, following a special meeting by the Board of Trustees.

The decision was made in light of the recent increase in local COVID cases as reported by the Butler County Health Department and in line with CDC Guidelines, according to a press release from the library.

The mask requirement is reinstated for all patrons and staff, effective Monday, officials said. It will be in place for a period of 30 days, as allowed by Missouri State Statute 67.265.

“The Board of Trustees finds it imperative that the library safeguard the wellbeing of patrons and staff as the COVID pandemic continues to impact our local community,” said Sue Crites Szostak, director of the Poplar Bluff Municipal Library. “To that end, all visitors to the library will be required to wear a mask.”

The Butler County Health Department reported 183 new COVID cases this week with 204 cases remaining active.

Butler County courts began requiring masks again on Thursday. Three Rivers College has also announced it will require masks for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued new masking guidelines for any county designated by the CDC as an area of high or substantial transmission. Under these guidelines, all individuals — regardless of vaccination status — should be required to wear masks indoors in public spaces.

All counties in Missouri except one have been designated by the CDC as areas with high or substantial transmission levels of COVID-19 and the delta variant.

Missouri is currently experiencing a statewide surge in COVID-19 delta variant cases. This transmission is occurring between and among vaccinated and unvaccinated populations and presents a considerable health risk to both.

“Masks will be made available for any who arrive without one,” Szostak said. “Curbside service remains available as an alternative for those who are uncomfortable with visiting in person.”

In addition, in-person programming for those age 12 and younger will be suspended during the mask order.

Library WiFi is available from the parking lot at both library locations as an alternative to public computers. In addition, the library’s Ridgel Branch offers private study rooms with broadband WiFi access further meeting social distancing measures.

Bookdrops will remain open 24/7 at both library locations.

For more information, please contact the library at 573-686-8639 or visit the library’s website at www.poplarbluff.org