Some San Luis Obispo County libraries are temporarily closing as the area responds to a surge in COVID-19 cases.
Starting Tuesday, only four San Luis Obispo County Library branches will be open to allow county employees who typically work at the libraries to assist with vaccine clinics, contact tracing and COVID-19 testing.
County libraries opened in July after first closing down in March.
Now, some, including the Los Osos, Cambria and Nipomo branches, are closing once again until further notice.
The county needs all hands on deck to get through the pandemic.
Library Outreach and Media Coordinator Erica Thatcher says it was a difficult decision to stop services in some areas.
"We are really stepping outside of our comfort zones and accepting the challenge. We have staff working in testing sites, vaccine clinics, we are helping out in logistics and operations. We are filling out PPE orders, contact tracing to step up and work with a lot of different departments,” Thatcher said.
She says she and her team are grateful for the community’s support and understanding during these challenging times.
The Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo libraries will remain open with limited capacity.
Digital libraries are open 24/7.
