Photo courtesy of Pixabay user Abhardphoto
(SEATTLE) One of the largest library systems in the state has scaled-back its operating hours once again because of COVID.
It happened before…pandemic rules and employee illness forced the Seattle Public Library system to reduce hours, or close branches altogether. It occurred at the start of the pandemic, and as recently as early this year at the height of Omicron.
Now, as infection numbers creep up again, the library is being forced to cut back on hours, meaning nearly half of its branches will only be open 5 or 6 days a week. And hours are being reduced on days the branches are actually open.
Andrew Harbison, interim director of library programs and services issued the statement “The Library has worked diligently over the last year to increase staffing levels and open hours. However, similar to the experiences of other workplaces, the ongoing surges and challenges of COVID-19 have taken a toll on Library workers and are impacting the Library’s ability to consistently staff each building at pre-pandemic levels.”
The hours reduction is classified as a temporary move, and the main central library will remain open 7 days a week.
To find the new hours at your library branch CLICK HERE.
