3 Pierce County Libraries Reopen Their Doors To Readers

PIERCE COUNTY, WA — After more than a year with no in-building service, the Pierce County Library System says three of its libraries will be opening their doors to visitors starting this week.

The Graham and Steilacoom Pierce County Libraries reopened Tuesday. The Milton/Edgewood Pierce County Library will follow on Wednesday. The library system says all three 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 in a written statement. “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.”

Visitors can also use library computers to surf the internet or for scanning and faxing documents. The library system says seating inside the buildings will be restricted and reserved mostly for visitors using computers.

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. Customers will also be encouraged to keep their visits quick, and maximum capacity will be restricted.

The Graham, Steilacoom and Milton/Edgewood libraries were chosen to open first in an attempt to reach as many Pierce County residents as possible. Fortunately for readers who can't get to any of those three libraries easily, many more are set to join them soon — the library system says it will take the lessons it learns from this pilot program and plans to reopen 18 of its 20 libraries throughout the summer.

In the meantime, 19 of those libraries will continue to offer curbside pickup to rent out books, movies and other items.