Fairhope library, City Hall reopen

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FAIRHOPE – After being closed since March, the Fairhope Public Library and some other facilities reopened Monday morning with abbreviated hours and occupancy limits.

City Hall and the Fairhope Public Works Department have also reopened. The Fairhope Recreation Center and Pool also opened at 8 a.m. Monday, but some other facilities will remain closed for the rest of the month.

The James P. Nix Center and Fairhope Museum of History will reopen June 1. Volunteers will return to the facilities on June 20, according to city officials.

The Fairhope Civic Center will also begin allowing space to be rented at the site on June 1.

Mayor Karin Wilson said city officials are waiting on word from Montgomery before deciding on reopening some other sites.

“Everything right now, we’re matching the state guidelines and they are not opening playground either yet,” Wilson said. “There’s no date for that yet.”

The Fairhope City Council voted March 16 to close City Hall and other municipal facilities in an effort to limit the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak. City operations continued and employees remained at work with business being conducted through drive through windows, drop boxes as well as by mail and telephone.

The council closed the Municipal Pier and public beaches on March 22. The pier reopened May 2.

The library will reopen with limited hours and access. Visitors must use the Fairhope Avenue entrance. Only 25 people will be allowed in the facility at a time. Patrons are encouraged to wear masks and stay at least six feet away from other people in the library.

At the Recreation Center and Pool, hours will be limited to 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Only members will be allowed to use the facilities and no day passes will be issued.

At the Recreation Center, only the fitness center will be opened and occupancy will be limited to 10 people at a time. At the pool, only five people will be allowed to use the facility and swimmers limited to every other lane.