The Cortez Public Library is reopening for appointments only beginning Monday after closing in March because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Appointments last 45 minutes, which gives library staff 15 minutes to clean and disinfect surfaces between appointments. Each appointment is for one individual, but an additional family member is allowed, if necessary, under social distancing restrictions.

Appointments are Monday through Friday, with the first starting at 10 a.m., and the last at 3 p.m. Masks or other face coverings are mandatory at the library.

In addition to browsing books, visitors may use computers, printers and study rooms for teleconferencing during appointment times.

“Computers are a huge need here,” said Cortez Public Library Director Alicia Gomori-Lusker, so the library staff is “excited to make them available.”

The Cortez Public Library also is checking out laptops and making Wi-Fi available outside the building.

Curbside pickup and drop-off, which began in May, also will be available, Gomori-Lusker said.

The decision to reopen the library was made by City Manager John Dougherty and Goromi-Lusker. Libraries are categorized as indoor event space in Gov. Jared Polis’s Safer at Home order, which places certain restrictions on residents and businesses to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Dougherty and Gomori-Lusker said the plan to reopen by appointment was the best way to protect staff and visitors from the virus.

“Visitors will be able to browse the entire collection,” Gomori-Lusker said.

ehayes@the-journal.com