If the trigger is pulled to shut down Buffalo Public Schools because of the rising COVID-19 totals, the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library said its computer rooms will be ready for kids to do their schoolwork.
When city schools were closed last year, the library system's computers were essential to continuous learning because so many students didn't have web access at home. Even when the libraries were closed, their WiFi system was left in operation, allowing that essential use.
When the libraries reopened, the computer rooms were there again, even with mask rules and alternate computers blocked because of social distancing rules. And Dorinda Darden, assistant deputy director of public services for the library system, said the computer rooms and WiFi are ready again.
"They can access it during library hours inside the building and also 24/7 outside the building as well," Darden said. "If we need to extend hours, that's something we certainly can look at and make sure we have enough staff that can cover those hours."
Darden said most libraries have at least 20 computers and the social distancing rules are gone, although the mask rules are still there. The library system also has nine libraries that are open on Sunday.
"We have the Audubon Library in Amherst, the Central Library downtown, the Frank E. Merriweather Library (in Buffalo), Hamburg Public Library, the Julia Boyer Reinstein Library in Cheektowaga, the Kenmore Branch, the Lancaster Library, North Collins Public Library and Orchard Park Public Library," Darden said.