The Bitterroot Public Library is now providing curbside pick-up to library users during the library’s indefinite closure to help combat the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Currently this service will be available Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. by calling the library at 406-363-1670. For the safety of library staff and the community, the library asks that you only use this service if do not have any symptoms and have not been exposed to anyone with the virus.
This service is for items currently on hold or those available on our shelf. MSC Partners, the sharing group for many Montana libraries, decided to suspend item sharing during this time, as the different libraries have various degrees of service.
“After consulting with the Ravalli County Health Department, this seemed like the safest option that would still allow users to check out materials but not put anyone’s safety as risk,” said Mark Wetherington, library director. “With social distancing being an absolute necessity, we knew that people would want to have books and other materials for entertainment. We are relieved we can provide items to our community while following health department guidelines.”
Any materials that are currently checked out and those checked out through March 28, 2020 will have a due date of April 30, 2020. The library will ensure that patrons do not accrue fees for materials during this closure. Items currently on hold will not expire until March 31, 2020.
All library programs, events, classes, and meeting room reservations are still cancelled until further notice.
The library’s open wi-fi network is still available and can be accessed outside the building. Patrons are encouraged to access the library’s online resources such as MontanaLibrary2Go, which remains accessible to all library users.
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’s closure and its plan for operating during this health crises is available at bitterrootpubliclibrary.org