• The public is now able to walk into CADL branches and browse their items in person.

INGHAM COUNTY - Library-goers grouped outside of Capital Area District Libraries’ Okemos branch on June 1, as they eagerly awaited the doors to open. With the “Rocky” movie theme playing in the background, the public entered the library with the new option of in-person browsing without an appointment.

Before June 1, the libraries were still able to let the public borrow books through a contactless item pickup program. The program is still in place for all branches except Downtown Lansing and South Lansing.

CADL now allows 50% capacity into select libraries and people who are exempt do not have to wear a mask. In order to be exempt, visitors must be either: fully vaccinated, cannot medically tolerate a face mask or kids under 2 years old. All other guests are required to wear masks.

Select CADL libraries that offer the walk-in service are:
-Downtown Lansing
-Foster
-Haslett
-Holt-Delhi
-Okemos
-South Lansing

In order to browse in person at other CADL branches, appointments are required and can be placed online.

At these locations, library members can use computers for 45 minutes per day and indoor browsing is limited to 30 minutes.

Scott Duimstra, the executive director of CADL, said that throughout opening week, visitors followed the rules set in place and were courteous to the staff. He reminded the public to keep the kindness going for the weeks to come.

“If staff talk to you about that just be kind back and that’s what we’ve seen,” Duimstra said. “We just see people who truly love the library and want to come back to the library, and it’s been nothing but a positive experience a week later.”

Not all of CADL’s services and amenities will be available during browsing hours. The study spaces, furniture, meeting rooms and children areas will be closed.

With the start of June, CADL has officially kicked off its Summer Reading Program. Duimstra said that CADL branches are setting up indoor, outdoor and virtual events for the program.

“With summer being here, summer reading is our holiday time,” Duimstra said. “So, it’s the busiest time that the libraries have been. We’ve seen a huge uptick in participation in summer reading this year, but it’s not too late. It started on June 1, but it runs until August 7, so if you are looking for something to do this summer, all ages, adults, teens and children, sign up for summer reading.”