News

Changes coming to Base Library after COVID-19 closure

  • Published
  • By Kisha Johnson
  • Robins Public Affairs

Book lovers can rejoice! The Robins Air Force Base Library will open Monday after being closed for two months due to the Coronavirus outbreak.

Monica Jackson, library director, and her employees, spent the past several days logging in new books, straightening shelves and cleaning the facility for patrons.

“We have missed our visitors so much here at the library, because we have a relationship with them,” said Jackson. “We have conversations and talk about what they are researching or the type of books they like to read. They have truly been missed.” 

Also gone, those unique library sounds - the cracking of books opening and closing  or the rustling sound of visitors searching through a book bag.

“While the library was closed we were able to sign them up for e-resources. If they were interested in selecting an e-resource, they would send us their information, and get an account fort those resources," said Jackson. 

Weekly, more than 600 people stop by the facility which is located on the first floor of the 78th Air Base Wing Headquarters, Bldg. 905.

“I have occasionally gotten books from there and DVDs to watch,” said Kim Chastain, 78th Force Support Squadron accounting technician, whose office is across from the library. Chastain smiled as she recalled, “I loved overhearing the kids over there playing. It just kind of brightens your day to hear their laughter. They were a nice distraction.”

Those youthful giggles will not be so boisterous during this immediate re-opening phase because social distancing will be practiced. 

“There will be no in-house meetings scheduled, no pre-k reading hours or teen book bash for now. That is going to cut down on a large percentage of interaction and people in the library at one time," said Jackson. Also, after a computer is used, staffers will do a thorough cleaning of the area so the next person will have a sanitized place to work.

Later this month, the library will host a variety of welcome back activities to include scavenger hunts and drawings for special prizes.

Hours of operation are:
Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesday 9 a.m.to 7 p.m.
Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

For more information, please contact the library at 478-222-0774.