San Mateo Scales Back Library Reopening Plan

San Mateo CA

14 December, 2020

3:28 PM

Description

SAN MATEO, CA —San Mateo has scaled back plans to reopen its public libraries amid a surge of coronavirus cases. The city had planned to start limited reopenings, The San Mateo Daily Journal reports, but those plans are on hold as coronavirus cases continue to surge in San Mateo County and beyond. San Mateo Mayor Eric Rodriguez cited safety concerns for the city's decision to close the libraries according to the report. "Even though we want to get back to normal as soon as possible, we have to do what's best for the public's health, and right now, it's just basically shut down," Rodriguez told the publication. The San Mateo Public Library said on its website that all events and reservations have been cancelled. Curbside holds pickup service will continue to be available at the Main, Hillsdale, and Marina branches but libraries may need additional time to fulfill holds due to varying staff levels and limited deliveries. The library asks that up to two weeks be allowed for holds to arrive from other libraries. Overdue fees will not be incurred for items due. Checked out library items can be returned at the Main, Hillsdale, and Marina Libraries during book drop open hours. For more information visit the library closure FAQs. Correction: A previous version of this article, and the headline, said the city shuttered the library amid San Mateo County moving to the purple tier of the state's Blueprint for a Safer Economy. The interior of the city's public libraries were already closed. The city scaled back plans to reopen amid the surge of coronavirus cases.