Submitted by Pierce County Library
The Pierce County Library System is making the following changes to services to help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus pandemic 2019 (COVID-19):
- Canceling all classes and events in libraries, such as story times, author visits, computer classes and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) events, currently through April 30.
- Postponing Pierce County READS, the Library’s community-one book program, with the best-selling author Amy Stewart, which was scheduled for March 28. The Library plans to reschedule this event for the fall.
- Canceling all public meetings in public meeting rooms.
- Closing all conference rooms to the public.
- Asking staff and the public to keep a 4 to 6 foot distance from each other while using the library.
The Library is also changing the way it delivers service to the thousands of people who visit its 20 libraries nearly every day:
- Staff is exploring alternate options to offer classes, events and services.
- The Library encourages people to check out e-books, audiobooks and magazines online from their homes.
- The Library encourages people to use the Library’s many online resources, from Homework Help with online real-time tutors to help students who may now be studying remotely to HeritageQuest for people to research their ancestry as a stress relief while they may be staying home during this time of social distancing.
“We know this is a stressful time for all of us, and we know reading has been proven to help reduce stress,” said Pierce County Library System Executive Director Georgia Lomax. “The Library will help people with their reading choices and stress reduction during this anxious time and serious health crisis. We are committed to safe and welcoming libraries for the public’s use and a safe work place for staff.”
Library staff can also help direct people to accurate information.
The Library System will be open, unless through consultation with Tacoma Pierce County Health Department or another authorized public official or agency, the Library is advised or directed to close.
More information: www.piercecountylibrary.org/community-resources/coronavirus-covid-19.htm
