Shhhhh – Libraries To Open Soon!

Cold  weather IS coming...one of these day...and when it does, wouldn't it be nice to be able to curl up next to the fire with a good book from the Yakima Valley Libraries?

It could happen as the Yakima Valley Libraries announce plans to re-open some buildings with Limited Hours and Services.

Updated health and safety documents required under Phase2 of Washington State’s Safe Start plan documents have been submitted, allowing for the re-opening of some community libraries. “After careful consideration, it has been determined that the best approach to re-opening our buildings is to do so in phases, beginning with a limited number of libraries,” said executive director, Kim Hixson.

A Library press release says effective Monday, Nov. 16, the West Valley and Sunnyside community libraries will re-open with modified hours for limited in-person library services. The Wapato Community Library will re-open with modified hours for limited in-person library services on, or about, Monday, Nov. 30, pending completion of previously scheduled electrical work.

Beginning Nov. 16, open hours for the West Valley Community Library will beMonday-Saturday,9am to 6pm.Hours for the Sunnyside and Wapato community libraries are still being finalized, and will be posted to the library website (www.yvl.org) by Thursday, November 12.

According to Hixson, a staggered re-opening will enable administrators and managers to evaluate procedures on a small-scale basis, before expanding in-person services to additional community libraries. Under Phase 2 guidelines, Yakima Valley Libraries is allowed to re-open locations with building access limited to 25 percent, or less, of maximum occupancy.

Per State guidelines, patrons and staff must wear a face covering at all times while inside library premises. Disposable face coverings will be provided to patrons, as needed, with the only exception being for children ages 5 years and under, who are not required to wear a face covering.