To help combat the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the Bitterroot Public Library and North Valley Public Library have closed until further notice starting Monday, March 16.
Darby Community Public Library closure will go into effect on Wednesday, March 18, until further notice.
All library programs, events, classes, and meeting room reservations are cancelled until further notice. Library users are encouraged to not return items during the closure. Overdue fines on all items will be waived during the closure. The library hopes to be able to provide an option for picking up items already on hold during the closure and will make details available as soon as possible.
All three libraries have wi-fi available that can be accessed outside the building and patrons are encouraged to use the free wi-fi as well as access the libraries online resources such as MontanaLibrary2Go. Visit the libraries’ websites for information on their online resources.
“Several libraries in Montana have closed and we believe following their lead is an unfortunate but necessary precaution to take during this health crisis,” said Mark Wetherington, Bitterroot Public Library director. “On average over 225 people per day visit the library and doing what we can to promote social distancing is in the best interest of the health and safety of our community. We realize this will be a profound inconvenience for library users and our community, but we would rather be safe than sorry.”
Denise Ard, North Valley Public Library director, stated, “This fast moving, easily catchable virus could put a major strain on our local health care services so although inconvenient to our patrons, Mark and our boards believe preventative measures need to be taken to ensure proper social distancing to lessen the impact on the Bitterroot Valley.”
Library staff will continue to work hard behind the scenes on cleaning, organizing, and tackling special projects so that each location will be ready to greet their communities when the library reopens.
The library asks users to help protect our community and follow CDC recommendations for sanitation, social distancing, exposure and self-isolation. Bitterroot Public Library’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak is subject to change. The library will keep the community informed each step of the way. Further information about the library closures and plans for operating during this health crises is available on the libraries’ websites: bitterrootpubliclibrary.org, northvalleylibrary.org, and darbylibrary.net.
The password to access North Valley Public Library’s Wi-Fi network is Stopillegalstreams.