Pierce County Libraries Expand Hours, But Will Require Masks

PIERCE COUNTY, WA — The Pierce County Library System is working to adapt to the state's changing COVID-19 guidelines. As a result, local libraries will see their hours — and pickup programs — expand, but will also begin asking visitors to wear masks while on the premises.

As of this week, 18 of Pierce County's public libraries have returned to offer in person service: the Bonney Lake, Buckley, DuPont, Eatonville, Fife, Gig Harbor, Graham, Key Center, Lakewood, Milton/Edgewood, Orting, Parkland/Spanaway, South Hill, Summit, Sumner, Steilacoom, Tillicum and University Place Pierce County Libraries are all open.

Starting this week, those libraries have had their daily hours prolonged. Their new hours vary by location, but most are open from at least 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. Previously, most libraries had been operating on limited schedules to prevent COVID-19 transmission.

>> View a full list of the new library times.

Also expanding is the library system's curbside pickup program, now available at 19 of its 20 locations. Visitors can also use book drops to leave books at all open library locations, and the library system says it is not assessing any fines for overdue materials through the end of the year, in an effort to give people space to adapt to the changes.

Study rooms, conference rooms, and meeting rooms are still unavailable to the public, remaining closed to limit the spread of COVID-19. Libraries will also be enforcing the reinstated mask mandate, asking its staff and customers 5 and older to wear masks while visiting the library.

Related: Vaccines Required At Washington Schools, Mask Mandate Reinstated