Washoe County Library System Announces Tentative Phased Reopening Plans

Limited Reference Services Beginning June 1, 2020.

On March 15th, 2020, Washoe County Library System closed to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Due to the nature of this virus, plans for reopening were difficult to develop. The library is a popular gathering place, one in which on average 10,000 Washoe County residents visit the library system every day. Therefore, when considering a safe phased  reopening plan, the Washoe County Library System's plan was developed in conjunction with the State of Nevada’s Governor Sisolak's report and will proceed with cautious reopening plans to help protect Washoe County Library staff and patrons.  For more information please visit: Roadmap to Recovery nvhealthresponse.nv.gov

Based on the Governor's report the Washoe County Library System is hoping to offer limited grab and go or drive-up services to pick up materials beginning June 15, 2020 at several library locations. More details will follow.  Washoe County Library System Director Jeff Scott states “We must take every precaution to determine safe practices”  Scott continued, “When examining each phase of the Governor's plan the Library System faces numerous challenges, such as the current Washoe County hiring freeze that will limit the Library's operational ability and the enhanced burden that has been placed on staff to ensure a safe work and library environment."

Washoe County Library staff regularly interacts with the public, but in any situation, there are issues with compliance with the public and what library staff can reasonably enforce.  The Washoe County Library System would like to remind everyone that vulnerable populations should remain home until the outbreak has subsided and strongly encourage improvised face-covering use by all. The Washoe County Library System has cancelled all physical programs through August 31.

For more information about programing operational hours, library services and for more information please visit washoecountylibrary.us