Library Closures, Limited Services Announced
The Portage Lake District Library and the Hancock School Public Library will be closed beginning Saturday, March 14 until Monday, April 6. All library programs and public meetings will also be cancelled.
Both libraries will provide limited services beginning Monday, March 16. Limited service will run until Monday, April 5 and will include continued closure of our buildings to the public, curbside pickup of library materials, and staffing our phone lines to provide reference services and help patrons place items on hold.
During our three week closure and limited service period, we will make curbside pick-up and phone reference available at our libraries during the following times at each location:
Portage Lake District Library
Monday – Thursday: 10AM – 5PM
Friday: 10AM – 4PM
Hancock School Public Library
Monday – Thursday: 10AM – 4PM
Friday: 10AM – 3PM
Here’s why we made the decision to close:
- Governor Whitmer announced last night that all Michigan K-12 schools must close for three weeks beginning Monday, March 16. Schools are scheduled to reopen on Monday, April 6.
- These school closures will put an increased burden on public libraries as children and families turn to us for their social, educational and even childcare needs. This is an odd dilemma for public libraries, as we are typically safe places the public can turn to during emergencies (blizzards, snow related school closures, etc.).
- However, staying open during a pandemic may contribute to further spread of COVID-19, especially considering the likelihood of increased dependence on our spaces and resources for children and families displaced by school closures.
March 13, 2020 in Library News. Bookmark the permalink.