As you are probably aware, Governor Inslee has issued a statewide order closing schools, canceling public gatherings, and enforcing social distancing. Public libraries have always been reliable and safe gathering places for children and their families.  However it has become obvious that there isn’t a way for the libraries to remain open while ensuring the safety of staff and communities.

Spokane County Libraries

Spokane County Library District to close all of its library locations. Closure is taking effect at the end of business on Monday, March 16th and will remain in effect until at least April 24th.

This closure includes:

• Airway Heights
• Argonne
• Cheney
• Deer Park
• Fairfield
• Medical Lake 
• Moran Prairie
• North Spokane
• Otis Orchards
• Spokane Valley 
• The BookEnd
• All administrative offices

Please bookmark this webpage for up-to-date information: DPGazette.com/librarycovid

Some additional information (dates are subject to change):

• Holds: Existing available holds will remain on the pick-up shelf through May 2, 2020 to give you an additional week to pick up after the anticipated reopening.
• Fines: No overdue fines will accrue through May 2, 2020.
• Due Dates: All items with due dates of March 16 or later will have an extended due date of May 2, 2020.

All programs, scheduled meetings, reservations and Book a Librarian appointment have been canceled.

Stevens County

Effective Tuesday, March 17th all eight of Stevens County libraries will close to the public. These closures will remain in effect until at least April 24th. All locations with normal Monday hours will be open Monday, March 16, for quick in-and-out library usage.

Locations include:

• Chewelah
• Kettle Falls
• Northport
• Colville 
• Lakeside
• Onion Creek
• Hunters
• Loon Lake

Updates about the COVID-19 outbreak and how it affects library services will be shared with the community on a regular basis. Stay up to date with the libraries by following them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scrld/

During the closure of library buildings, Stevens County Libraries are making the following changes:

• All due dates will be automatically extended until April 27. 
• They don’t have any late fees. 
• All bookdrops will be closed. We encourage all of you with materials to keep those materials at your home until the libraries reopen.
• We encourage everyone to explore the many online resources and digital materials available on the libraries website, thelosc.org. They have ebooks, audiobooks, online classes for students and adults, homework help, and a lot more.
• Plans are being made for library staff to continue to work and be paid during the closure period.

All programs have already been canceled. 

For further coverage on COVID-19, please go to DPGazette.com/covid19