Spokane County Library District to re-open buildings to the public

SPOKANE COUNTY — Library district officials have announced that all libraries in the county will re-open buildings to the public on Monday, March 8.

“We are looking forward to opening and assisting library customers in person with our services, resources, and programs,” district officials said in a Feb. 23 news release. “The re-opening requirements are a challenge that our libraries will adhere to while still offering as many services as possible.”

Libraries are going to look a little different on March 8. Facilities will be open 12–6 p.m. Monday through Saturday on days when the library would normally be open. Curbside pickup will continue during these open days and hours.

The district is also introducing a dedicated time for high-risk customers on Tuesdays and Saturdays at all locations from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The following precautions will be in place at all libraries:

Masks are required. If you do not have one, we will provide a mask for you to use during your visit.

Maintain a 6-foot distance from others whenever possible.

Capacity is limited to 25% and occupancy limits are posted at each library.

Limit your visit to the library to 30 minutes or less.

No food or drink is allowed in the library.

Hand sanitizer is available at all service desks and additional locations throughout the library.

All returned materials will be quarantined for 24 hours after being collected from the book drop and before returning to circulation.

Enhanced cleaning protocols include frequent cleaning of high-touch surfaces.

“We wish that as a library we could to do everything we used to before the pandemic, but until the requirements change, we appreciate your patience and understanding that not all services, resources, and programs will be available,” officials said.

To learn more about the re-opening, please visit www.scld.org/library-reopening-march-2021/.