Aurangabad, Oct 17:
Libraries closed from the past seven months have been opened by the state government. However strict regulations have been imposed due to Covid-19. The books from the readers will be kept in the isolation box for two days. Also, the books will be changed every five days. There are separate rules for reading room.
The government divisional library and other libraries opened on Thursday. The libraries are an important place for students, research students and students preparing for competitive examinations. However, libraries were closed as a precautionary measure amidst covid. Staff, publishers and readers were hit hard by the seven-month closure.
The government announced the decision to start libraries excluding restricted areas under ''Mission Begin Again''. Although libraries were opened accordingly, there was a sparse presence of readers on the first day. Readers will come after learning that libraries and reading rooms have opened. Library staff said readers were unlikely to arrive immediately due to corona fear.
The books exchange department and the reference literature department of the government divisional library could not start due to the ongoing maintenance work, said librarian S N Mundhe.
Guidelines to be followed by libraries
As per the SOPs issued by the Directorate of Libraries, library hours should be from 8 am to 5 pm, sanitizer should be arranged at the entrance, staff should be trained to use thermal guns and oximeters, temperature of every reader must be recorded in a register, there should be a meter distance between the reader and staff. Strict instructions have been issued to use masks, water, soap and hand sanitizer in the library, and sanitization frequently three times a day.