Public libraries across the North Olympic Peninsula are closing to the public because of concern about COVID-19 and the governor’s order closing all schools.
Libraries throughout Clallam County will be closed beginning Tuesday until at least March 31, the Jefferson County Library closed Friday until at least April 13 and the Port Townsend Public Library closed Saturday through April 24.
The city of Port Townsend announced on Friday closure of both the library and Mountain View pool for all activities.
The Jefferson County Library in Port Hadlock closed Friday at 5 p.m. Limited holds-pickup will be available from this Monday through Friday via curbside delivery at the library from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., according to a statement on https://jclibrary.info. Some delivery of holds will be provided to Bookmobile patrons this week. The closure will remain in effect until at least April 13 or further notice.
After closure on Saturday to prepare for the shift to limited service, libraries in Port Angeles, Sequim, Forks and Clallam Bay will be open as usual on Monday. Collection browsing, check out, and public computers will be available, but increased social distancing measures will be in effect. Staff and visitors who are sick are asked to not enter the library.
Beginning Tuesday, all four libraries overseen by the North Olympic Library System (NOLS) in Clallam County will be closed to the public through at least March 31. All library programs and meeting room reservations are canceled.
Limited self-pick-up and self-checkout of holds will be available beginning Wednesday.
NOLS does not charge overdue fines; those who are feeling sick can keep materials checked out until they are healthy again.
NOLS remains open online at www.nols.org, where library card holders with PIN numbers can find ebooks, e-audiobooks, a variety of databases, streaming music and movies, and other alternatives.
“Evidence is compelling that limiting social contacts can help reduce the potential for the coronavirus/COVID-19 to spread throughout our community,” said Margaret Jakubcin, library director, in a press release.
“In addition, absenteeism related to closure of schools impacts NOLS’ ability to safely staff library facilities for public use.”
For more information and updates, see library websites in both counties.
