Spokane County Libraries which is currently in Phase 2 is opening all eleven of its facilities in a limited capacity on Thursday, November 12th. Hoping to open in November as well, Stevens County libraries have decided to wait even though they are in Phase 3.
Spokane and Stevens County Libraries have been operating many of their services and programs on a limited physical contact basis. Services such as curbside pickup, mobile print, mobile hotspots, digital resources, and virtual programs. However, Governor Inslee announced on October 6th several updates to Washington’s Safe Start plan which will allow libraries to offer more assistance to their community.
The libraries cannot simply open their doors, instead they have to follow the new requirements put in place by the governor’s office. Expect that things will look differently at your local library when you walk inside.
At both Deer Park and North Spokane County Libraries you can expect:
- They will be open 12–6pm Monday through Saturday
- Tuesdays and Saturdays at all locations 11am–12pm will be for high-risk customers.
Services Offered
- Curbside pickup will continue during open days and hours.
- Book drops are still open
- Computers may be used by reservation only. Additional cleaning protocols will be performed on computers between each reserved session. You can make a reservation
- Online at Mypc.scld.org/cire/Login.aspx,
- By Phone Call
- In-person with library staff
- Mobile Hotspots
- Mobile Printing
- Virtual programs will continue to be offered view and sign up at Scld.evanced.info/signup/calendar.
- Book-a-Librarian One-on-one virtual appointments for personalized assistance
- Digital resources available at home online at Scld.org/digital-library.
Suspended Services
- Public seating in the library and lobby is not available.
- Closed To Public Use: Conference, Meeting rooms, and The Lab at North Spokane.
- In-library programs though they do have virtual still.
- No interlibrary loans for DVDs and music CDs.
- The outreach program is currently suspended.
- Used book sales are suspended.
- Book donations will not be accepted.
Some precautions that need to be taken are as follows:
- Capacity is limited to 25% for Spokane County and 50% for Stevens County of maximum building occupancy.
- Masks are required. If you do not have one, The library will provide a mask for you to use during your visit. If you have a medical reason or choose not to wear a mask, please take advantage of our curbside pickup service, our virtual Book a Librarian appointment, and other mobile services.
- Maintain a 6-foot distance from others whenever possible.
- 30 minutes or less visits at Spokane County Libraries.
- 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 continue to be quarantined for 72 hours after being collected from the book drop and before returning to circulation.
- Enhanced cleaning protocols include frequent cleaning of high-touch surfaces.
The reopening of libraries in Washington state everywhere is hopefully on the way. There are many requirements in place which can be viewed here at DPGazette.com/libraryoct620. Each library will implement and maintain them keeping the public’s safety in mind. The Spokane County Library stated in their press release that they, “ … appreciate your patience and understanding that not all services, resources, and programs will be available.” For those who would visit the library for hours at a time this may seem like a small move but it is a step.
