Norfolk libraries and rec centers could open in July — but things will look different

Norfolk — Norfolk’s libraries and rec centers have been closed since late March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Many will remain closed for at least the next few months — partly due to continuing public health concerns and partly to save money.

But Norfolk’s leaders rolled out a plan this week for reopening some libraries and rec centers.

It won’t happen until July, and things will look very different than they did before the coronavirus.

Here’s what the city has planned:

What’s reopening?

Three main libraries and six recreation centers will reopen in a limited capacity sometime after July 1.

City Manager Chip Filer said they’re spread around the city to make sure there’s service covering as many areas as possible.

The three anchor library branches will reopen: Slover Library downtown, Pretlow Library in Ocean View and Jordan-Newby in Broad Creek.

The city rec centers opening in the first wave are Berkley, Huntersville, Lamberts Point, Norview, East Ocean View and the Norfolk Fitness and Wellness Center.

What will be different?

Both libraries and rec centers will reopen in phases.

For libraries, that means starting with what is essentially a concierge service — residents request what they want to check out, and library staff will have it waiting for you. You won’t be able to go in and browse the bookshelves.

In later phases, people will be able to do that and use computers, with social distancing restrictions and regular sanitizing of surfaces.

Much of what rec centers do will be modified and moved outside to comply with public health rules, said Darrell Crittendon, director of the city’s Recreation, Parks & Open Space Department. That could include adding new outdoor activities, such as concerts or comedy shows in city parks.

At both the libraries and the rec centers, you’ll be able to use Wi-Fi without going inside.

Once public health guidelines allow the rec center buildings to open, times will be staggered by age group, though exactly how isn’t final.

When does this start?

“We’re in a bit of a limbo,” Filer said.

The second phase of Gov. Ralph Northam’s reopening plan, which relaxes restrictions on some city facilities, happened much sooner than Filer and his team had expected. Northam announced the move to Phase 2 with little warning June 2, and it went into effect Friday.

Filer said city staff had expected more time to explore how the buildings would be used and how the phased opening would work, so they’re still working out the timeline.

The only date for sure right now: No city facilities will reopen to the public before July 1, Filer said.

Why haven’t they reopened yet?

Northam’s new rules do allow libraries and rec centers to reopen, and many shops and private fitness centers have reopened or will soon.

But city officials said Norfolk’s remain closed for two reasons — one health related and one financial.

Filer said staff is touring the city’s rec centers with health department officials to get an understanding of exactly what they’ll be able to do.

State guidelines say occupancy should be limited to 50%, which Filer said could be hard with expected demand.

The other issue — finances — could keep some libraries and rec centers closed long after public health concerns have been dealt with.

[ Previous coverage: ‘Shared sacrifice’: Norfolk OK’s plan to slash spending, furlough employees during coronavirus ]

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Facing down tens of millions of dollars in lost revenue as the coronavirus shut down the economy, Norfolk officials opted to slash next year’s budget.

The biggest savings came from closing many libraries and rec centers until later this year. Hundreds of part-time employees have been furloughed “permanently,” Filer said — effectively laid off. Another 92 full-time employees are furloughed until at least December, leaving the city without the staff to reopen other libraries and rec centers even if health concerns weren’t an issue.

Now that state officials have relaxed restrictions, Norfolk council members and their constituents seem to be growing impatient. Several members told city staff at Tuesday’s meeting that the city needed to be very clear with the public about why some facilities aren’t reopening right away.

“People are paying taxes, so they want their services to be open,” Councilman Tommy Smigiel said Tuesday. “If it is a budget constraint that is causing us to not have some of these services, I’d like that to be separated from the governor’s order. … If other rec centers can reopen and we can afford to do that in our budget, we have to start over and re-look at that in our (budget) plan.”

Filer said Friday that the focus is on making sure services and programs are available across the city, even if residents can’t get into a building or visit their favorite library branch. He said the council will get another, more detailed rundown of the reopening plan on June 23.

Ryan Murphy, 757-739-8582, ryan.murphy@pilotonline.com

Correction: A previous version of this story had the Norfolk parks and recreation director Darrell R. Crittendon name misspelled.