The Blaine library, along with the county’s nine other libraries, opened indoor service March 1. This comes after Whatcom County moved into Phase 2 of governor Jay Inslee’s “Healthy Washington” plan in mid-February.
Debby Farmer, Blaine Library branch manager, said the library’s 25 percent capacity requirement means only 10 patrons are allowed into the Blaine library at a time.
In an announcement on the reopening, the Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) said everyone over the age of 2 must be masked inside the libraries, including fully vaccinated patrons. To maintain six feet of social distancing, staff are unable to help with computer assistance. It is also asked that patrons keep library visits short because of the limited capacity.
WCLS announced library staff are also asked to pass a health self-assessment before work every day; staff will frequently clean high-touched surfaces; water fountains have been turned off; lounge seating and toys have been removed; only one household can use the restroom at a time; and nonlocal newspaper subscriptions are temporarily suspended.
Curbside pickup will continue in Blaine and at other branches around the county. Farmer said she expects curbside pickup, which has been in high demand, to continue after the pandemic.
The Blaine library, located at 610 3rd Street, is open 1-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The Birch Bay bookmobile stop, at 7968 Birch Bay Drive, is open 3-7 p.m. on Wednesdays.
The county libraries closed last March because of the pandemic and remained closed until late October, when they briefly opened until closing again November 23. This is the first time the libraries have opened since November.
The Blaine library is also not taking book donations at this time, Farmer said. A small section of books are also for sale inside the building.
For more information, visit wcls.org/info or call the Blaine library at 360/305-3637.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here