12/10/2020 - Washington County Public Library Change in Service Due to the County
Moving to Red on the Ohio Public Health Advisory System
Patrons will not have access to the stacks beginning Friday, December 11th. Computers will still be available for essential use. We encourage patrons to use curbside pickup. Please limit the amount of time you spend in the library to 30 minutes or less.
Our hours at all locations will continue to be Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The Lafayette Library will still operate with drive-thru service only and the Bookmobile will run its regular schedule.
05/11/2020 - Washington County Public Library Offers Curbside Services and Computer Use by Appointment
As of Tuesday, May 12th, most Washington County Public Library locations will begin offering curbside services and public computer use by appointment only.
At this time, Washington County Public Libraries are not fully reopening to the public. However, the library is working to establish guidelines for how and when a full reopening can take place. Keeping Washington County Public Library (WCPL) patrons and staff safe and healthy remains the Library’s top priority.
The Barlow, Belpre, Beverly, Marietta, and New Matamoras Libraries will begin offering curbside services on Tuesday, May 12th. These services will be available from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on weekdays only. 10:00 am to 12:00 pm each day will be reserved for seniors (60+) and those who are more vulnerable due to pre-existing health conditions. The Lafayette Library drive-thru will be open weekdays from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, and the Local History and Genealogy Building will offer phone service from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Patrons who use curbside services are asked to be respectful of other patrons and maintain a safe distance of at least 6’ from others. Patrons in Marietta are encouraged to use the Lafayette Library drive-thru for quick and safe service.
All Washington County Public Library locations except the Lafayette Branch will begin offering limited computer services by appointment only beginning Tuesday, May 12th. Patrons must call their library to schedule an appointment. Computer use will be allowed for essential needs only, no gaming or web-surfing will be permitted at this time.
All patrons are asked to wear a mask when coming to pick up materials or use a computer. Hand sanitizer will be available upon entry. Public restrooms will not be open at this time.
All physical material due dates have been extended to Saturday, May 30th. This includes Wi-Fi Hotspots. Patrons wishing to return materials are asked to wipe down all materials and place them in one of our outdoor bookdrops. No returns will be accepted or permitted inside our buildings at this time. Fine-free check out will continue through July.
All in-person programming has been canceled for the months of May and June and the Bookmobile schedule has been suspended and all stops have been canceled until further notice.
Digital resources, including digital downloads, streaming services, and electronic resources remain available 24/7 for patron’s use and can be found at www.wcplib.info.
“As we prepare to reopen the Washington County Public Libraries, we want you to know that we have taken the utmost precautions to protect the health and safety of our staff and patrons,” said director Justin Mayo. “We have employed the services of Classic Carpet Cleaning, to deep clean all our facilities. Classic Carpet Cleaning has deep cleaned and applied EPA registered and recognized cleaners and disinfectants to sanitize all primary touchpoints, primary surfaces, and floors. Once we reopen our Libraries, we will continue to follow the necessary guidelines set forth by the State of Ohio and our local Health Officials to ensure we continue to maintain a safe and healthy environment.”
These precautions are made in the interest of public safety and the prevention of community spread. The COVID-19 situation is changing rapidly, and the Washington County Public Library will continue to monitor the situation and collaborate with public health officials.
For ongoing information about the Washington County Public Library, its policies or procedures, please visit www.wcplib.info.
All Washington County Public Library Branches to Close on March 16
As of 5:00 pm March 16th, all Washington County Public Library locations will close to the public. Keeping Washington County Public Library (WCPL) patrons and staff safe and healthy is the Library’s top priority.
Library locations will operate on their regular schedules on Monday, March 16th. Patrons are encouraged to use this opportunity to pick-up previously requested materials and check out new materials. Locations will close on Tuesday, March 17th and remain closed until further notice.
WCPL locations include the Barlow Branch Library, Belpre Branch Library, Beverly Branch Library, New Matamoras Branch Library, Local History & Genealogy Archives, Lafayette Branch Library, and the Marietta Branch Library.
The Bookmobile schedule has been suspended and all stops have been canceled until further notice.
All physical material due dates are extended to Thursday, April 30th. Patrons are advised to refrain from returning materials or bringing donations of used books and other materials until the library reopens to the public.
The New Matamoras Branch Library will still be open as a polling location for Tuesday, March 17th; however, the rest of the library will remain closed to the public.
The Washington County Public Library Board of Directors meeting will still take place at the Marietta Library at 615 5th Street on Thursday, March 19 at 12:30 pm in the Meeting Room. The Board Meeting is open to the public; however, the rest of the library will remain closed.
Digital resources, including digital downloads, streaming services, and electronic resources remain available 24/7 for patron’s use and can be found at www.wcplib.info.
These precautions are made in the interest of public safety and the prevention of community spread. The COVID-19 situation is changing rapidly, and the Washington County Public Library will continue to monitor the situation and collaborate with public health officials.
The Library is encouraged by the public’s outreach and support during these unprecedented and challenging times.