With Clallam, Jefferson, Kitsap, and Pierce Counties now in Phase 2 of the Healthy Washington Plan, here's the most recent updates for the expanded Library services in the near future in your community.
Kitsap Regional Library, message from the director:
With Kitsap County now in Phase 2 of the Healthy Washington Plan, we're looking forward to expanding Library services in the near future.
We continue to reopen our libraries in phases, aligning each step with state guidelines to ensure our community and Library staff's safety. In mid-March, we will take the next step by reopening library buildings to offer limited in-building services. At most of our branches, you will soon have access to public computers, along with the ability to browse the collection, pick up holds and check out your materials.
Also, beginning March 1, the quarantine time of returned materials will be reduced from 96 hours to 24 hours. This will help us get popular items back out to you more quickly.
We understand that many people may not be quite ready to come back into our branches. As we move ahead, we will continue to offer contact-free curbside and online services. Please watch our website for more information about our timeline and the services you can look forward to in the coming weeks.
Thank you for your patience as we prepare our staff and spaces to offer these next service phases safely. We look forward to seeing you back at the Library.
With anticipation,
Jill Jean, Library Director
Until our buildings open, please enjoy these services, available now:
Check out a book and pick it up curbside
Share something of interest and let us create a Book Bundle just for you
Connect online to storytimes, book groups and more
Download ebooks, audiobooks and magazines
Reserve time to meet one-on-one with a librarian, virtually
Jefferson County Libraries, message from the director:
2/22/2021
Dear friends, I am delighted to share that the Jefferson County Library will be re-opening for limited in-library public access beginning Tuesday, March 2. Thank you to our Board of Trustees, staff, and entire community for your support and patience–we look forward to welcoming you back in the Library and on the Bookmobile very soon! Our schedule will be:
What does limited in-library public access look like? Think of us as a grocery store for your books, DVDs, audiobooks, etc., with the following guidelines in place:
Capacity limits in the Library (20 people) and on the Bookmobile (1 person, 2 if from the same household) to meet physical distancing requirements.
“Grab and Go” visits of 15 minutes or less. Pick up your holds, quickly browse the shelves, and check out using our self-check stations (staff support will be available).
Computer access: 30-minute sessions in the Library or check out a laptop for out-of-library use with longer sessions.
The health and safety of our staff and patrons remain our top priority:
Masks fully covering the nose and mouth are required for all patrons ages 5 and older entering the Library or Bookmobile. A mask will be provided to any person who requests one. Patrons who choose to not wear masks can make use of our Curbside Holds Pickup service.
Returned materials must still to be placed into outdoor book drops and go through a quarantine period–they may not be returned inside the Library or Bookmobile.
While we are excited to increase our public services, physical distancing and sanitizing requirements will not allow us to offer all previous library services. Services we will be unable to provide at this time include:
Meeting room reservations
Study areas (no seating/tables)
Newspapers and other items that cannot be sanitized
In-person reference services (please continue to call or email us)
In-person technology assistance
In-person programs
Remember:
Our website–jclibrary.info–is your portal to nearly 200,000 books, DVDs, CDs, eBooks, eAudiobooks, streaming videos, and more. Place holds and pick up physical items, or download digital items straight to your device.
Library staff can help you find your next favorite book or movie–just call us at 360-385-6544! You can also fill out the Personal Picks form.
We offer HomeLibrary delivery services for qualified patrons who are unable to pick up materials through curbside visits. For more information, please contact Mobile Services Manager Celeste Bennett or fill out the online HomeLibrary delivery form.
Our online programs are creative and diverse—storytimes, a virtual gingerbread house contest, trivia games, STEAM programs for kids, and more! Find all upcoming programs on our events calendar.
Please watch our website at jclibrary.info or follow us on social media to get the latest updates about library services and programs. You can also reach library staff via phone or email, Tuesday-Saturday, 10-5, at: 360-385-6544 or information@jclibrary.info.
Stay safe and healthy,
Dr. Tamara R. Meredith Director, Jefferson County Library tmeredith@jclibrary.info
NOLS (North Olympic Library System) Restart Plan:
In early January, Governor Inslee announced “Healthy Washington – Roadmap to Recovery,” a new COVID-19 phased recovery plan. This new guidance supersedes the Safe Start plan and other guidance provided in 2020. The Healthy Washington plan went into effect January 11, with all regions starting in Phase 1, including Clallam County’s Northwest Region. The Kitsap Public Health District has created a useful dashboard to track the Northwest Region’s metrics.
The Healthy Washington plan did not initially mention libraries, but new guidance from the Governor’s Office was recently published specifically for libraries. The guidance allows libraries to offer curbside service and limited in-library service at 25% capacity, in Phase 1 and 2.
At this time, all NOLS facilities will remain closed to the public, but the Library will continue to offer curbside service in addition to a wide variety of programming and services online.
NOLS has developed tentative plans to begin offering limited in-library service in early March. Limited in-library services will initially only include browsing the collections and check out. Limited public computer usage will eventually be added as well. More information will be provided prior to limited in-library service being made available.
In Forks, Port Angeles and Sequim, curbside service is available from 10am-6pm Monday through Friday, and 10am-4pm on Saturday. In Clallam Bay, curbside service is available from 10am-6pm Monday through Wednesday, and 10am-5pm Thursday through Friday. To help protect employees and the public, all patrons should wear a face covering when using curbside service, as ordered by the Washington Department of Health.
How do I return my library books and other library materials?
Book returns are open 24/7 at all NOLS locations. Due to the requirement to quarantine returned materials, items may not show as returned on your account for 2-3 working days. No fines will be charged for overdue materials.
If you or anyone in your household has been experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19 or have tested positive for COVID-19, please wait at least 14 days from the date you first started to experience symptoms to return your material.
At this time, material donations are NOT being accepted.
How do I pick up my holds?
To use curbside holds pickup, place a hold from the catalog online or contact customer service staff via phone to request material. When your holds arrive at the branch selected, you will receive the standard hold email, phone, or text notification. Items are held for seven business day and can be picked up during curbside hours.
Detailed directions for accessing curbside service at each branch are located below.
Port Angeles Main Library
Book drops are open 24/7 for returns.
For holds pickup, park your vehicle in the parking lot and walk to the front entrance. There is no access to the fire lane loop during curbside pickup hours. Holds pickup is located in front of the main doors.
Please wait at least 6 feet back while staff finish assisting patron at pickup desk.
As soon as a staff member is free, the next patron will signaled for service.
Please present your library card (or photo ID) along with your full name to staff.
Sequim Branch Library
Book drops are open 24/7 for returns.
For holds pickup, park your vehicle in the parking lot and walk to the front entrance.
Holds pickup is located in front of the main doors.
Please present your library card (or photo ID) along with your full name to staff.
Forks Branch Library
For returns and hold pick up, enter the parking lot from the south on Bogachiel Way.
Returns should be placed directly in the book drop in the drive-thru.
For holds pickup, proceed through the drive-thru to the drive-up window. Walk-up service is also available at the drive-up window.
Present your library card (or picture ID) along with your full name.
Clallam Bay Branch Library
Returns should be placed directly in the book drop.
For holds pickup, proceed to the window at the top of the ramp and present your library card (or photo ID) along with your full name.