The Library District Fully Opens Services & Browsing While Maintaining Social Distancing Guidelines & Safety Measures
The Las Vegas-Clark County Library District has announced the reinstatement of library branch services and activities just in time for summer reading and enjoyment, while still adhering to safe social distancing guidelines. Library customers can again browse book stacks, use study rooms, and enjoy limited seating (to allow for social distancing), and children and families are invited to join in the annual Summer Challenge program, where kids and teens can earn points for prizes (LVCCLD.org/summerchallenge).
Other in-demand services that are fully open include computers and WiFi, art gallery exhibitions, Safe Place services for youth in crisis, and adult literacy and education courses, which include Career Online High School, the WorkKeys Workforce Readiness certificate, and the HiSet High School Equivalency exam (https://LVCCLD.org/adult-learning/).
One-Stop Career Center career coaches are available virtually to help with job seeking; to make an appointment, call (702) 822-4200 or email info@nvcareercenter.org. In addition, the Library Foundation will open the Sahara West Bookstore from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
For more information on the Library District’s open status, including specifics about library locations, hours and Curbside Services, please go to https://LVCCLD.org/open/
“We are grateful to our customers, who have waited patiently as we carefully considered how and when to safely reopen, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues,” said Fred James, acting executive director of the Library District. “We are working hard to continue the highest level of service that we can provide, while still adhering to strict social distancing, reduced occupancy, and other guidelines set forth by government mandates, the CDC, and the Southern Nevada Health District.”
Looking ahead to July, the Library District will be bringing back our beloved storytimes, as well as adult classes in English as a Second Language and English Conversation, with other in-person educational programming following. All in-person classes will be conducted with reduced capacity and social distancing in place.
“With children out of school and many adults needing access to computers to apply for services and look for jobs, the need for our services is greater than ever,” said Mr. James. “At the same time, we are concerned about everyone’s health and safety, so all Library District buildings have undergone a deep cleaning and an antimicrobial treatment of all surfaces including desks, keyboards and toys.”
In addition, the Library District has also installed hand sanitizing stations, Plexiglas sneeze guards, and social distancing signage throughout the buildings. Library staff will wear facemasks, and other PPE as required. Returned library materials will undergo a four-day quarantine before returning to the shelves, and browsed items will receive specific handling.
“Our customers have told us that browsing is one of the top library experiences that they wanted returned,” emphasized Mr. James. “We consulted the most recent CDC guidelines and found that the chance of secondary contamination from contact with objects and surfaces is considered low.”
Library customers who still want to limit contact with public spaces can continue to connect to library resources at LVCCLD.org. With a free library card, online options include streaming and downloading books, movies, and music plus access to educational eResources for kids, teens, and adults. The Library District also offers convenient Curbside Pick-Up Service, which allows customers to reserve items online or by phone. They can then call to make a reservation and walk, bike, or drive up to the designated curbside pick-up area at their branch.
Additionally, though the Library District’s live performances and some in-person classes remain postponed, the public can now enjoy virtual storytimes and early childhood programs, STEAM classes, and educational content for both youth and adult audiences on the District’s new YouTube channel at YouTube.com/TheLibraryDistrict.
About Las Vegas-Clark County Library District
The award-winning Las Vegas-Clark County Library District is an independent taxing entity that serves a diverse community across 8,000 square miles. Through its 25 branches and website, the Library District offers a collection of 3.1 million items consisting of books, movies, music (including streaming and downloadable), and online resources. The Library District is a vibrant and vital member of the community offering limitless learning; business and career advancement; government and social services support; and best of all, a place where customers find a sense of culture and community. For more information, please visit https://LVCCLD.org/.