One of our biggest gripes is the definition of “essential services”. To our mind, libraries top the list, but alas these 21st century “community” centers were deemed non-essential and closed their doors to the public back in March. So we are over-the-moon to learn that all Douglas County Libraries will reopen for in-person services on Monday, June 29. (Libraries will be closed on July 4.) Here’s what you need to know:
Library operations
Modified services are available at all DCL locations — Castle Pines, Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Parker and Roxborough — during these operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Friday & Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
- Louviers only: Tuesday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. & Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.
Archives & Local History services are available by appointment only — call 303-791-7323.
It’s recommended that customers wear masks and wash hands frequently, especially after handling materials and/or touching surfaces.
Common areas; hard surfaces such as stair rails, door handles, and elevator buttons; reserved rooms; and restrooms are cleaned at least four times a day. Hard flooring is thoroughly cleaned once each day.
Protocols and systems are in place to increase air circulation in buildings.
In-library modifications facilitate social distancing. Tables and individual seating are spaced at least 6 feet apart.
The Holds section in each library closes for 15 minutes at the top of each hour to allow social distancing for DCL staff as they shelve.
Plexiglass partitions are in place at public service desks.
Hand sanitizer stations are set up at library entrances, public service desks, cash-handling points, and other heavily used areas.
Disposable masks are available for customers.
Services & Spaces
Curbside Park & Pick-Up holds service will continue during normal library hours stated above. Note that the service location in the parking lots has changed, and there may be a longer wait for delivery to your car. Book Club Express kits may also be picked up using this service.
Quarantine of returned materials is ongoing.
Book donations are not being accepted at this time.
Study and meeting rooms are available by reservation only with certain restrictions:
- Social distancing is required.
- Each room’s capacity is limited to 50% of fire department-stated capacity.
- Drop-in use of empty meeting and study rooms is not permitted.
Storytime, Events & Playscapes
Virtual Storytime will continue each weekday at 10:30 a.m.
In-person Storytimes and other library events remain unavailable through July.
Playscapes and other interactive features at all libraries remain closed, including Little Letters Post Office at Castle Pines, The Market at Highlands Ranch, Playful Pets at Lone Tree, the Dino Wall at Parker, and Mission Control at Roxborough.
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