Press release from Buncombe County Government:
Beginning Tuesday, Jan. 19, Pack Memorial Library will reopen to the public with limited hours and services. The Pack Library schedule will be: · Tuesday-Thursday, 1-6 p.m.
· Friday & Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
· Sunday & Monday, Closed
During these hours, the library will provide in-person check out and browsing. As we comply with reduced occupancy limits, we are encouraging brief “grab and go” visits to allow us to serve a larger number of patrons. Computer use is available, and seating will be provided for computer users only. The meeting rooms and study spaces will not be available for public use. In-person library programs, including storytime, will not be offered; however, virtual programs will continue to be available. Learn more at buncombecounty.org/library.
All other Buncombe County Public Libraries, except the East Asheville Library, reopened to the public in October, 2020. Visit buncombecounty.org/library for schedule information.
Our local history room is currently undergoing renovations, but staff will continue to provide phone and email research assistance at (828) 250-4740 or packnc@buncombecounty.org.
Per the Governor’s mandate, all persons over the age of five will be required to wear a face covering for the duration of their visit in the library. If you don’t have a face covering, we can provide one for you.
We understand there are patrons who will not feel comfortable visiting the library, we encourage you to please call our Ask-A-Librarian line at (828) 250-4700 for assistance with services that are available for you such as doorside service. Our digital library is always open.
We are grateful for our community’s patience and the commitment of our staff while our services have been modified to minimize opportunities to spread COVID-19. Buncombe County has taken precautions and audited our public-facing facilities to determine the safest way to operate.
The safety of our patrons and staff remains our highest priority. At Pack Memorial we have:
· Installed plexiglass barriers where needed
· Increased sanitation and cleaning schedules
· Increased public accessibility of hand sanitizer and disposable face coverings
· Added social distancing markers and signage
Additionally, the County has created comprehensive internal procedures for employees to foster a safe workplace, including a daily employee self-screening tool.
If you have any questions, please call us at 828-250-4700 or email library@buncombecounty.org.
Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.