As of September 21st, the library began once again operating at 75% capacity without making a scheduled appointment in order to comply with Gov Abbott’s Order for libraries.  While we are open, we still greatly encourage the public to schedule an appointment for curbside service.  At this time, we recommend anyone who has an underlying health condition continue to use curbside services as we are happy to help you!  

Library procedures about the use of all library users wearing a mask are drawn directly from current city policy, CDC guidelines and also from the U.S. Department of Justice.  While masks are required, the Library will provide reasonable modifications to its services and programs to avoid discrimination. Modifications will be made upon request for accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.  For this reason, we heavily recommend curbside service for providing all library materials and services in a contactless manner.

As Library Manager, I must balance the needs of patrons with providing accommodations to employees under ADA Title I. Both are equally valid under the law.

As a matter of public health during an emergency order enacted by Mineral Wells Emergency Management Team, it is incumbent on the Library Manager to ensure the health and safety of ALL people. To that end, I am responsible for maintaining the Minimum Standard Health Protocols Checklist for Museums and Libraries as outlined in Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s Executive Order 29. Under Gov. Abbott’s order, library visitors are obliged to follow the Minimum State Health Protocols for All Museum and Library Visitors. (https://open.texas.gov/uploads/files/organization/opentexas/OpenTexas-Checklist-Museum-Library-Visitors.pdf)

The staff and I expect to remain at this phase in our reopening plan until we return to a new normal of services.  We look forward to creating and developing services that further mitigate the circumstances and address unique and traditional needs during Covid-19.

Citations:

U.S. Department of Justice: The ADA does not provide a blanket exemption to people with disabilities from complying with legitimate safety requirements necessary for safe operations.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/department-justice-warns-inaccurate-flyers-and-postings-regarding-use-face-masks-and

ADA Title II: State and Local Government Activities

Title II covers all activities of State and local governments regardless of the government entity's size or receipt of Federal funding. Title II requires that State and local governments give people with disabilities an equal opportunity to benefit from all of their programs, services, and activities (e.g. public education, employment, transportation, recreation, health care, social services, courts, voting, and town meetings). 

Public entities are not required to take actions that would result in undue financial and administrative burdens. They are required to make reasonable modifications to policies, practices, and procedures where necessary to avoid discrimination, unless they can demonstrate that doing so would fundamentally alter the nature of the service, program, or activity being provided. 

ADA Title I: Employment

Title I requires employers with 15 or more employees to provide qualified individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to benefit from the full range of employment-related opportunities available to others. For example, it prohibits discrimination in recruitment, hiring, promotions, training, pay, social activities, and other privileges of employment. It restricts questions that can be asked about an applicant's disability before a job offer is made, and it requires that employers make reasonable accommodation to the known physical or mental limitations of otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities, unless it results in undue hardship. 

Source: https://www.ada.gov/cguide.htm#anchor62335