Pierce Libraries Double-Down On No Contact With Parking Lot Wifi

PUYALLUP, WA — Pierce County's libraries have largely reopened, but the library system continues to try and find innovative new ways to serve the public during the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the start of the pandemic, the Pierce County Library System quickly adapted to lockdown restrictions by offering curbside book pickup and dropoff programs. Now, as the state grapples with the omicron variant and braces for winter, local libraries are planning something new: wifi access from the comfort of your own vehicle.

Computer access remains limited inside Pierce County's libraries, but starting early next year, the library system says it will be offering free wifi in library parking lots.

Wifi will be available at the following library parking lots from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. every day except Sunday:

Meanwhile, the below libraries will offer wifi from 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. every day of the week, including Sundays:

• Bonney Lake
• Graham
• Gig Harbor
• Lakewood
• Parkland/Spanaway
• South Hill
• Summit
• Sumner
• University Place

Library staff will be on hand to help visitors connect to the outside wifi. The program will also allow visitors to print documents and retrieve them outside the library. All organizers ask, is that visitors practice safe COVID-19 behavior, including social distancing and mask use, while in the parking lots.