It has been a long time coming for the Perry Public Library to reopen since it closed its doors to patrons due to the coronavirus pandemic, and patrons and staff are enjoying it. 

Perry Public Library Director Mary Murphy says since the first week they reopened the library has been well received. Between patrons being able to be in the library again and seeing the hard work to renovate the facility it has been good for everyone.  

“It’s good to see our people again. We had children in the library and we haven’t had children in the library for a long time. It’s rejuvenating, we are in a profession where we want to help people and we are people-oriented and so it energizes the staff, energizes everybody who’s coming in.”

Murphy notes there has been positive feedback of the recently completed renovation, which she points out it’s as if the library has received a makeover. Murphy tells Raccoon Valley Radio patrons are just excited to be back in the library again. 

“There is nothing like browsing and saying ‘oh that’s an author I haven’t read in a while’ so yes it’s been overall fantastic.”

Murphy says they have had to help patrons a little as they have shifted items in the library since the last time patrons were allowed inside. Masks are still required to enter the library.