Port Townsend Library to expand hours

The Port Townsend Public Library welcomes visitors back with new “Grab and Go” hours.
The Port Townsend Public Library welcomes visitors back with new “Grab and Go” hours.
Leader photo by Alli Patton
Posted

The Port Townsend Public Library recently expanded its hours, extending the “Grab and Go” visits for up to 20 minutes or less.

From 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, patrons can pick up holds and quickly browse the shelves.

In-person public access to the library is still limited, however, and all of the usual COVID-19 protocols will be followed. Patrons must be masked, physical distancing is required, and capacity on the first floor is capped at
20 people at a time.

“We are so excited to welcome our patrons back in the library,” library director Melody Sky Eisler said via email.   

“We missed them and it is wonderful to see people browsing the stacks again,” she added. “We also so appreciate our patrons for masking up and maintaining physical distance.” 

Staff are around for support, but self-check stations are available. Also, the library’s Curbside Holds Pickup Service will still be offered.

As patronage returns, services such as computer access, meeting room reservations, and in-person programs will remain unavailable due to proper distancing and sanitation requirements. 

“Our programs will be virtual for the time being,” Eisler explained.

However, the library has worked hard throughout the pandemic to provide creative programming solutions.

Eisler said she is incredibly proud of the library staff and their amazing commitment to serving the community.

“The staff have been reinventing services this last year to provide the safest and best service possible in these limiting times,” she said.

“The staff’s imagination and prévenance has added services like curbside, Take and Make craft and STEAM bags, grab-and-go bags, letters from the library, virtual programs and so much more.”

StoryWalks at Kah Tai Lagoon have also been utilized to safely have in-person programs. Over Zoom, Family Storytime and Sing-a-Ling with Keeth Apgar are offered as virtual options to promote early literacy in young children through the use of songs, rhymes, and activities.

“We are thankful for our wonderful city’s support, too,” Eisler said.

“Although these have been challenging times, they have inspired creative problem solving and exciting service innovations that will last beyond the pandemic. We see some incredible silver linings for the now and the future.”

Visit ptpubliclibrary.org for information and updates on services, programs, and in-library visits.