Richland County libraries still closed but some make materials available in pandemic
The Richland County Library system has been closed since March, when cases of COVID-19 were first reported in South Carolina.
While none of the 13 branches currently has plans to reopen during the coronavirus pandemic, there is a program that will provide books and more materials to library members. The items will be made available for pickup, library officials said in a news release.
Officials said staff is processing the holds of more than 2,000 customers that were made before the libraries closed on March 16. Each customer is being called to verify if they still want their holds and confirming a pickup location.
The items will be available at pickup windows at the Ballentine, Northeast, Sandhills, and St. Andrews branches in Irmo and Columbia.
Pickup will be from 3-6 p.m., on Mondays-Saturdays, according to the release.
“Since March, we’ve been working through decisions and processes that will ensure the safety of our customers and staff,” officials said in the release. “We now have those processes, supplies and training in place to limit contact while safely providing physical materials to customers.”
The library is also implementing new safety protocols, which includes requiring staff to wear face coverings, following CDC cleaning guidelines, and quarantining materials for 72 hours prior to recirculating them, according to the release.
“We look forward to connecting you and your families with physical books, movies and music soon,” officials said.
