Alexandria Libraries To Reopen With Precautions In Mid-March

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Alexandria Library locations will reopen to the public with restrictions on Monday, March 15.

Members will be allowed for two hour visits at a time. For those who want to return, members should wait 30 minutes before reentering.

Library branch locations will operate at 25 percent capacity, including staff. Partitions and physical distancing signage have been added, and furniture has been removed or reconfigured to ensure physical distancing.

Library members over age 5 must wear a face mask and maintain six feet of distance from others. Upon entering, library staff will take temperatures using a temperature checking machine and provide a mask if needed. Members with temperatures above 100 degrees will be denied entry and offered curbside or virtual services. Food or drink will not be allowed.

During the visits, members may use computers for up to two hours. Library staff are unable to provide computer assistance. Meeting rooms remain unavailable for use, and library programs continue virtually.

Branches will be cleaned each evening, while high touch public areas and restrooms will be cleaned every two hours during open hours. Returned materials will be quarantined for at least 24 hours before being placed back in circulation. No fines are incurred during this holding period.

Temporary cards received during the library closures are extended through June 30, 2021. Fines and fees can be paid with debit or credit cards online or inside a branch location with cash, checks or money order. Material donations are not accepted at this time.

This will be the first time since Dec. 6 that libraries will allow members inside buildings. Libraries switched to curbside and virtual service last spring due to the pandemic and reopened for limited service in mid-August 2020. Libraries returned to curbside and virtual service in December due to rising COVID-19 cases.

For more information, visit alexlibraryva.org/reopen.