Wake libraries puts storytimes, other public programs on hiatus through April 15
The coronavirus pandemic is putting storytimes and other programming at Wake County Public Libraries on hold through April 15. Locations, however, are still open, operating during their regular hours, at the moment (Saturday, March 14). But programming is suspended.
"Effective Saturday, March 14, 2020 WCPL is suspending all library programs through April 15, in the interest of protecting vulnerable community members and preventing the spread of COVID-19," an announcement reads on the county's website. "We will continue to monitor the situation and seek advice from public health officials to determine when programming and events can resume. Our libraries will be open regular hours."
The system also shared some details about how they clean both the libraries and the books. Here's what the system shared:
Wake County contracts with an outside cleaning company, which spends several hours cleaning our libraries each night. Additionally, library staff is disinfecting highly used areas such as tabletops and counters throughout the day.
Annually Wake County Public Libraries checks out 11 million books to the citizens of Wake County. These books are returned to libraries throughout the county and returned to library shelves quickly so as to be accessible to customers. Currently returned items do not undergo a disinfecting process because it would be impossible to sustain this effort with WCPL's annual circulation. Additionally, disinfecting these types of items and materials is currently not recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
While supplies last, we are making hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes available to staff and patrons, and are encouraging frequent hand-washing by everyone.
On Friday, the Chapel Hill Public Library closed until further notice, effective 6 p.m., March 13. While it's closed, no materials are due and patrons will not be charged late fees. All programs, services, and room reservations are canceled. Durham County Library programs also are canceled, but the libraries remain open and the system is ramping up its sanitation efforts.
