Mainstreet Daily News
The Alachua County Library District announced it will increase operating hours as part of several changes amid the receding pandemic.
“I appreciate the community’s support and patience as the Library District has adapted our services during the pandemic,” Library Director Shaney T. Livingston said in a statement. “We will continue to monitor the public health situation and follow guidelines from local and national health officials as we reopen.”
The announcement comes a day after the Board of County Commissioners released an updated emergency order loosening some restrictions, especially for those who are vaccinated.
Starting Saturday, library locations will allow browsing during all open hours, and seven branches will add Sunday service.
The district will also make computers and printing services available to patrons during all operating hours. Outside services will continue, weather permitting, from 1-5 p.m. on days when branches are open, and the Alachua Branch will continue to offer drive-through service during all operating hours.
The new hours are as follows:
- Headquarters Library and Millhopper, Tower Road, and Alachua branches: Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday noon-5 p.m.
- Hawthorne, High Springs, and Newberry branches: Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday noon-5 p.m.
- Cone Park and Library Partnership branches: Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Archer, Micanopy, and Waldo branches: Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
The district will continue to require patrons to wear a face mask, socially distance, and complete a touch-less temperature check while visiting a library branch. Food and beverages are still not allowed in the buildings.
Last year the library district shut down in March as the COVID-19 pandemic ballooned, then reopened in May and gradually expanded services. The district continues to offer a range of virtual programs, including live-streamed story times and book clubs.