HELENA — The Lewis and Clark Library will be closing beginning Tuesday Mar. 17 until further notice to help combat the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus.
This closure affects all branches(Lincoln, East Helena and Augusta) and the Bookmobile will no longer run it’s regularly scheduled route.
Library Director John Finn said it was a difficult decision to make, but ultimately felt they needed to do the socially responsible thing and minimize risk to the community they serve.
“The decision to close the Library buildings in Lewis & Clark County has been a difficult one that we didn’t make lightly,” said Finn. “After several days of tough conversations and planning by library leaders, administration, and trustees, we felt closing was in the best interest of our staff and the public. The library needs to do its part in helping slow the spread of COVID-19.”
The Library has suspended all overdues and extended all due dates until May 1.
People are asked to keep materials they have checked out as long as possible.
The Library will be open Sunday Mar.15 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Monday Mar. 16 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. However, the Children’s area will be closed and the public computers will not be available.
Digital catalog items will be available throughout the closure, including eBooks, eMagazines, eAudiobooks and streaming videos.
Library staff say they are working on a curbside delivery system for item holds.
More information and updates will be posted on the Library’s website as it becomes available.
