5 More Pierce County Libraries Reopening This Week

BONNEY LAKE, WA — The Pierce County Library System will have reopened five more libraries to readers by week's end.

The library system just reopened the University Place Library Monday, and Tillicum Library on Tuesday. They'll be joined by the DuPont Library on Wednesday, the Bonney Lake Library Thursday and Buckley Library on Friday.

Previously, the Milton/Edgewood, Graham and Steilacoom libraries reopened in early June as the county began to relax COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

The library system says all libraries are opening with limited services to start, but visitors can now come inside, browse bookshelves, and check out books, movies or magazines.

"We are thrilled to welcome people safely back inside library buildings," said Pierce County Library Executive Director Georgia Lomax when the first libraries reopened. "We know people have been eager to visit their libraries and search for and discover books and movies on their own. We took time to consider and create the best possible experience – to ensure the public and staff members are safe."

In an effort to keep the libraries safe during the tail end of the pandemic, study rooms, conference rooms and meeting rooms will remain closed. The libraries will require visitors to wear masks while inside and practice safe social distancing. Customers will also be encouraged to keep their visits quick, and maximum capacity will be restricted.

On top of book browsing, visitors can use library computers to surf the internet or for scanning, printing and faxing documents. The library system says seating inside the buildings will be restricted and reserved mostly for visitors using computers.

Ultimately, the library system intends to reopen 18 of its 20 libraries throughout the summer. In the meantime, 19 libraries continue to offer curbside pickup to rent out books, movies and other items.