Pittsboro, NC – Beginning Monday, October 26, 2020, Chatham County Libraries will offer limited access to its computer stations located in each of the three branches—Chatham Community Library in Pittsboro, Goldston Library and Wren Memorial Library in Siler City. Public computer use will be by appointment only and will be for the duration of one hour per day, per patron, Monday through Friday, from 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Individuals must use their allotted time in one session. Computer users are not permitted to leave and return to a computer workstation mid-session.
Computer lab capacity has been reduced at all branches to ensure proper distancing. Online registration and the completion of a COVID-19 screening form is required. Individuals may register here. Individuals unable to register online may do so on site by completing a print registration form.
To ensure the safety of library patrons and staff, the following restrictions apply:
- Face coverings are required while inside the library.
- Library staff will be wearing facial coverings and gloves and practicing social distancing. Staff will provide a face covering for those who arrive without one.
- Library stacks will be closed. Browsing collections is unavailable at this time. Curbside appointments for print materials are still available. More information about curbside pick-up services may be found on the library website.
- Library staff are unavailable for one-on-one computer assistance. Patrons should be comfortable with using a computer and be able to work independently.
- In-person Reference Services are not currently available. Individuals may make an appointment for a virtual consultation by calling 919-545-8086 or by emailing .
- Self-serve printing and copying is available at the Pittsboro branch and is limited to the Computer Lab. Printing and copying at the Siler City and Goldston branches will be handled by library staff. Wireless printing is not available at this time.
- Patrons are asked not to bring children with them to computer use appointments.
- Computer use is limited to patrons 16 years or older.
- Food and drink are not allowed inside the library or while using public computers. The use of cell phones is also not permitted indoors.
- Patrons are asked NOT to visit the library if exhibiting any symptoms of cold, cough or flu, including fever.
After completing the online registration form, patrons are asked to call their local branch to make an appointment. For appointments at the Chatham Community Library in Pittsboro, call 919-545-8084. For the Goldston Library, call 919-898-4522, and for Wren Memorial Library in Siler City, call 919-742-2016. All three locations will maintain the same hours of operations for computer use, Monday-Friday, 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. The latest appointment time is 3 p.m. Patrons are asked to discuss any needed clarification about current computer use protocols with a staff member at the time of making their appointment.
The Chatham County Public Health Department continues to urge all residents to take measures to reduce the spread of coronavirus: Wash their hands regularly for at least 20 seconds, avoid touching their face, cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow, and stay home and away from others if they become ill except to seek medical care. Health officials also encourage everyone to implement social distancing measures to reduce frequency of contact, like maintaining six feet of distance and avoiding large crowds. This is important for everyone and especially those at high risk of severe illness, specifically anyone over 65 years old or anyone who has an underlying health condition like heart disease, lung disease, diabetes or a weakened immune system.
For more information about the coronavirus and Chatham County’s response, visit chathamnc.org/coronavirus.
The Chatham County Library would like to thank its patrons for their patience and looks forward to resuming normal operating hours and programming in the near future. More information about the library’s services and programs may be found at chathamlibraries.org.