Spokane County Libraries eleven facilities are now reopen to the public in a limited capacity.
This will be the second time that the Spokane County Libraries will be reopening their doors; the last time was in November 2020 for one week. They were only able to remain open for a couple of weeks before they had to close back down.
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.
What To Expect At Your Local Library:
- Libraries 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. See our story about this at: DPGazette.com/librarycurbside.
- 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/SignIn.aspx after the libraries are open
- By Phone Call – Deer Park – (509) 893-8300; North Spokane – (509) 893-8350
- In-person with library staff
- Mobile Hotspots read our story on that at: DPGazette.com/libraryhotspot.
- Mobile Printing is also still available, see our previous story about that here at: DPGazette.com/scldprint.
- 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.
- Public Use Spaces: Conference, Meeting rooms, and The Lab at North Spokane are still closed at this time.
- In-library programs though they do have virtual still.
- 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 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/d6nr7.
