Readers who miss the smell of books and the atmosphere of literacy can return to the Butler Area Public Library beginning Monday.

Library officials announced that the building on North McKean Street will reopen with limited hours and safety protocols in place.

The library, like many public buildings, closed March 14 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“We look forward to seeing our patrons once again, and we’re doing everything we can to make sure everyone is safe and everyone stays healthy,” said Lori Hinderliter, the library’s executive director, “and we’re hoping everyone will do the same on their end.”

Hours will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; noon to 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; and 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays. The library will be closed Sundays.

Library personnel will take steps to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19 by maintaining six feet of social distancing, contactless pickup of held items, face coverings and following the sanitizing recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

This is an excerpt from a larger article that appears in Sunday's Butler Eagle.