Louisville libraries reopen Friday after year-long shutdown | News [Video]

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — The Louisville Free Public libraries will once again be public starting Friday morning.

For the first time since COVID-19 broke out a year ago, the library is allowing patrons inside to browse the aisles.

“A couple of months ago, we started allowing people to come in and use computers by appointment only, but that's really been the only in-person service we've been able to do,” Library Director Lee Burchfield said.

Burchfield said he is excited to reopen for business.

“It's a great relief to me,” he said. “It really has been very difficult for us over the last few months, because we know how desperately people need access.”

Masking, social distancing and sanitizing rules will be in place.

The meeting rooms will remain closed for now, and there is no in-person programming yet. Patrons are also being asked to limit their visits to 90 minutes.

“Because we're restricted to 60% of the building's capacity, we …