Libraries, community centers and pools start to reopen in Olathe, Gardner, Edgerton

The two library systems in Johnson County are starting to allow patrons to browse the libraries in person this month, but with reduced hours and services to protect staffers and visitors from the new coronavirus.

The Olathe Public Library reopened its Indian Creek branch on June 8, but will keep the temporary downtown location closed until June 22 except for limited curbside service.

The Johnson County Library — which serves the entire county outside Olathe — decided on a June 15 reopening for all 14 branches including Gardner, Edgerton and Spring Hill. Returns were being accepted a week earlier, as of June 8.

Both systems set a June 30 due date for materials that were checked out before the coronavirus pandemic forced libraries to close in March. To allow for proper quarantining, Olathe will accept returns only in outside drop boxes at both libraries. All materials are quarantined for 72 hours before recirculating.

Hours at the Indian Creek branch, 16100 W. 135th St., are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays. The first hour of each weekday is reserved for older adults, pregnant women and others at high risk for serious coronavirus symptoms.

No more than 45 patrons can be in the library at once.

“Traffic has been heavier in the morning and lighter in the afternoon,” Interim Library Director Erin Vader said via e-mail at midweek.

Total circulation at Indian Creek, including curbside service, was 1,562 items on June 8 and 1,846 items on June 9. Before the coronavirus shutdown, Indian Creek averaged 2,440 items this year.

In a web posting, library officials said that the shorter hours “allow staff time to sanitize public areas and to shelve books and other materials safely.”

“Services will be limited to quick browsing and checkouts with an emphasis on reduced interactions with staff,” the library said. “Staff will be available for directional questions and help with self-check machines only.”

Patrons must bring their library cards or card numbers because staff members will not look up card numbers for people.

Still off limits are public computers, magazines (although some back issues can be checked out), newspapers, play areas, the cafe and other seating areas, meeting/study rooms, the Lab, the Studio, the Zone and the Friends bookstore.

WiFi can be accessed from the parking lot without a password, however.

The Johnson County system imposed similar rules, but will allow patrons to spend up to an hour on a public computer, do self-service printing and faxing and apply for a library card.

Whether in Olathe or elsewhere, librarians encouraged patrons to wear masks and stay at least six feet away from others.

Here’s the status of some other civic amenities:

Pools

Gardner has closed its aquatic center for the 2020 season, but Olathe is reopening two of its four outdoor pools.

However, the city is restricting usage to Olathe residents and setting two-hour swim sessions with limited attendance at each one. Staffers are using 30 minutes between sessions for extra cleaning.

▪ Black Bob Bay, at 14570 W. 151st St., opened June 8, with daily hours from 12:30 to 7:30 p.m., but the lazy river and bucket area are closed until further notice.

▪ Mill Creek Pool, at 320 E. Poplar St., is to open June 12, with hours from 12:30 to 5 p.m. Fridays through Sundays for the general public.

Those attending either pool must pre-register and pay ahead of time. Visit Olatheks.org for details and registration.

Community centers

The Olathe Community Center reopened on June 8 to members and guests, except for indoor pools and the child care area.

The center, at 1205 E. Kansas City Road, is open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays with a shutdown from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. for cleaning; 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays. Attendance is limited in certain areas.

Gardner’s senior center, at 128 E. Park St., has reopened for rentals and Meals on Wheels, but other programs were curtailed — at least through June 10 — because the facility serves a high-risk population.

Other

The Beach at Lake Olathe will open at 11 a.m. on June 12 to Olathe residents only, but they must register and pay at OlatheKS.org/LakeOlathe for a two-hour block of time. A maximum of 75 spots are allowed for each two-hour period beginning at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. The beach will be open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays through Sundays.

The sprayground at Lake Olathe also opens June 12, with hours of 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

The Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm reopened June 1 in Olathe.

Both Gardner and Olathe are bringing back youth sports activities. Gardner, for example, will start recreational baseball, softball and T-ball games on July 6, with signup at gardnerkansas.gov.

This story was originally published June 11, 2020 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Libraries, community centers and pools start to reopen in Olathe, Gardner, Edgerton."