Gainesville, Fla. – The Alachua County Library District will increase operating hours, add Sunday service at seven branches, and offer browsing during all open hours starting Saturday, March 27.
Patrons will be able to browse and use computers and printing services during all operating hours. Outside services will continue, weather permitting, from 1-5 p.m. on days when branches are open, and the Alachua Branch will continue to offer drive-through service during all operating hours.
The new hours are:
- Headquarters Library and Millhopper, Tower Road, and Alachua branches: Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday noon-5 p.m.
- Hawthorne, High Springs, and Newberry branches: Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday noon-5 p.m.
- Cone Park and Library Partnership branches: Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Archer, Micanopy, and Waldo branches: Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Patrons are required to wear a face mask and practice social distancing while visiting the library and complete a brief health screening, including a touchless temperature check, before entering. Food and beverages are not allowed in the buildings.
“I appreciate the community’s support and patience as the Library District has adapted our services during the pandemic,” said Library Director Shaney T. Livingston. “We will continue to monitor the public health situation and follow guidelines from local and national health officials as we reopen.”
The Library District adjusted to the COVID-19 pandemic to provide patrons with library services during unprecedented circumstances. Buildings closed in spring 2020 but the Library District continued to offer digital materials and launched a new partnership with OverDrive, the Library District’s eBook vendor, to allow local patrons to sign up for digital book access with just a phone number. The Library District also focused on reducing wait times for popular books and expanding the digital collection to meet demand.
The Library District reopened in May 2020 and gradually expanded services to include browsing and computer use. Library programs continue to thrive online with weekly live-streamed story times and book clubs. Virtual programs are available at www.aclib.us/live and www.youtube.com/alachualibrary.
Visit www.aclib.us/services for full details on current library services. To schedule an interview, please contact Rachel Cook at 352-334-3909 or rcook@aclib.us.