Some Austin Libraries To Reopen In May, All facilities In June

Austin TX

09 April, 2021

9:00 AM

Description

AUSTIN, TX — Book aficionados can officially rejoice! Austin Public Library will start reopening some of its locations next month before fully reopening on June 28. The city library system will reopen 12 of its locations at limited capacity on May 10 and will allow people to browse and check out books, use printer and copier machines, use computers, access Wi-Fi and get library cards and reference help, according to officials on Wednesday. The facilities that reopen for in-person services will do so with added pandemic-related safety measures, including Plexiglass at circulation desks, mask requirements and 6 feet of distance between furniture and computer stations. All libraries will reopen to the public on June 28. Facilities that are undergoing renovations during that time will not offer in-person services, officials said. "Austin Public Library provides crucial computer access to residents so they can take advantage of vaccination sign-ups and other social services offered by the city, state and federal governments," officials said on Wednesday. Officials said they also installed special equipment designed to reduce contaminants and harmful material in the air into HVAC systems at the city's public libraries. All items that are checked out and returned will be quarantined for up to 10 days, officials said. The library system has been offering only digital and curbside services because of the coronavirus pandemic. Those services will continue. These facilities will reopen May 10 with limited capacity: Austin Central Library will be open Mondays and Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.Carver, Hampton, Manchaca, Milwood, North Village, Old Quarry, Ruiz, Spicewood Springs, St. John, Windsor Park and Yarborough branches will be open Mondays and Tuesdays from noon to 8 p.m.; Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.