Las Vegas-Clark County Library District Announces Partial Reopening With Limited Services Beginning June 4
The Las Vegas-Clark County Library District will reopen most of its libraries to the public beginning Thursday, June 4, 2020. This will be the first time that the public can enter their neighborhood libraries since the COVID-19 outbreak caused a sudden closure of the Library District on March 16.
On June 4, regular library hours will be reinstated with varying and limited services available at 24 of the 25 Library District branches. (Please see the Branch Status list, below, and go to LVCCLD.org/Locations for library hours and locations.)
“We know that our customers come to visit our libraries to learn, to grow, to find community, and to pursue their dreams,” said Fred James, acting executive director of the Library District. “We are still here for you but due to COVID-19, this will be a different kind of library experience than our customers are used to.”
Safety & Social Distancing
Procedures are in place throughout the Library District that will enable the public to use computers, tech center equipment, and other materials under strict social distancing guidelines. In addition, all library buildings have undergone a deep cleaning and treatment with a hypoallergenic antimicrobial spray, hand sanitizing stations and social distancing signs are in place, sneeze guards have been installed at all service desks, and all returned items will undergo a four-day quarantine process. Library staff will wear facemasks and also gloves for certain transactions.
Mr. James explained that social distancing will be the “new normal” for the Library District, which means that library bookstores, study spaces, and meetings rooms are closed for now; there will be no public seating, except in the designated computer centers, where computers have also been moved six feet apart. To help protect borrowed materials from potential COVID-19 contamination, browsing is not currently available, but library staff will help the public to select items and pick them up at the library desk. The volunteer program is on hiatus until further notice. Full details are available at LVCCLD.org/partial-reopening.
Services Offered
“While safety is our utmost concern,” said Felipe Ortiz, chair of the Library District Board of Trustees, “we are so glad to be back serving the public again, especially during this difficult time for our communities across Southern Nevada. We want parents to view us as a source of free summer fun and learning for their kids with our annual Summer Challenge program, which we’re partnering on for the first time with the Clark County School District. Just go to LVCCLD.org/SummerChallenge to sign up.”
“And for adults of all ages, the Library District offers a wide range of educational tools, job skill development, and career support services, such as our One-Stop Career Centers,” he said. “These services are critically needed right now, as we begin to heal from the devastating economic impact of this pandemic.”
Trustee Ortiz explained that the Library District’s mission is to be a lifeline to local residents who need free access to the Internet for early childhood, K-12, and adult education; small business support; and critical relief and government services.
The following is a snapshot of what the public can find at their neighborhood libraries:
Available June 4:
- Library & Tech Services
- Print, copy, and fax services
- Continued Wi-Fi expansion into parking lots
- Use of library equipment
- Computer Centers, Tech Labs, Makerspaces, Youth and Adult PCs are available, but limited, as social distancing must be enforced.
- We will also have laptops, Chromebooks, tablets, and other devices on a limited basis.
- Curbside Service continues at 19 locations, see below
- Customers can retrieve items that they have placed on hold, either through Curbside Service or by entering the branch
- Customers can receive phone and in-person reference assistance from our librarians
- Customers can go to a desk in-person to ask questions and request materials
Coming Soon (please check LVCCLD.org for updates):
- Adult Learning & Career Programs
- Adult Basic Education
- Career Online High School
- English Language Learners
- High School Equivalency
- One-Stop Career Centers and small business support at the following branches: Mesquite Library, Laughlin Library, Clark County Library, West Las Vegas Library, and East Las Vegas Library
So Many Ways to Connect!
“We encourage the public to connect with us in other convenient ways, too,” said Mr. James, “such as streaming and downloading materials from our website at LVCCLD.org; enjoying our entertaining and educational library programs at YouTube.com/TheLibraryDistrict; and taking advantage of our new Curbside Pick-Up Service.”
This streamlined Curbside to-go service makes it so easy for library customers to pick up their holds and drop off their returns. (All returns must be deposited in the outside Book Returns box.) Customers simply place their holds online (or by phone) and call their nearest branch, where library staff will help them and make an appointment for pick up. They can then drive, bike, or walk up to the designated curbside area, and take home a bit of normalcy. Go to https://LVCCLD.org/curbside-locations/ for Curbside locations & rules.
Library Branch Status
- Currently open, including Curbside Service: Centennial Hills Library, Clark County Library, East Last Vegas Library (plus drive-thru window), Enterprise Library, Rainbow Library, Sahara West Library, Spring Valley Library, Summerlin Library, Sunrise Library, West Charleston Library, West Las Vegas Library, Whitney Library, Windmill Library, Laughlin Library, Mesquite Library, and Moapa Valley Library.
- Open without Curbside Service: Blue Diamond Library, Bunkerville Library, Goodsprings Library, Moapa Town Library, and Mt. Charleston Library.
- Curbside Service only: Sandy Valley Library, Indian Springs Library, and Searchlight Library.
- Temporarily closed: Meadows Library
“We look forward to helping you make your next great discovery at the library!” said Mr. James.