Hercules Library Reopens: 'Spring Is A Time For New Beginnings'

HERCULES, CA — The Hercules Library has reopened to the public more than a year after libraries across the state shuttered in an attempt to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

The library at 109 Civic Dr. reopened Monday as all but a few Contra Costa County Library system locations also did this week for limited access, dubbed "Grab & Go" service.

"Spring is a time for new beginnings," said County Librarian Alison McKee.

The Crockett and Rodeo libraries will continue to offer only front-door service because of size limitations, and the Pinole and Ygnacio Valley libraries are being used as COVID-19 testing sites until further notice. All other Contra Costa County libraries have reopened for regular hours.

In Hercules, the library is open to the public from noon to 8 p.m. Monday-Tuesday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Grab & Go Service

Patrons are asked to limit visits to an hour, but they may browse the selection, use computers, print and make copies, get help from the reference desk or pick up books on hold, according to the county.

Services that will not be available include chairs and tables for reading and studying, meeting rooms, and in-person events. At this time, book donations are not being accepted, and newspapers are only available online.

Visitors over the age of 2 are asked to wear a face-covering or mask that covers both the mouth and nose. Hand sanitizer is available at the entrances, cleaning wipes are offered to visitors to sanitize surfaces and seating is limited to select computers to encourage social distancing. Toys and other high-touch play items have been removed.

Visitors wishing to reserve computer time can call their community library.

Other safety enhancements include Plexiglass barriers at service desks, increased air intake to HVAC systems and enhanced cleaning of doorknobs, door push bars and elevator buttons.

"I am very excited that as we are beginning to see the light at the end of a very long tunnel, we are able to plan to transition to safely reopening our beloved libraries," said Diane Burgis, chair of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, in a statement. "While we aren’t able to return to the way that we were before the pandemic began, we can begin to create a new normal experience for library users."

— Bay City News contributed to this report