The Library

Library Removes Masking Rule, Resumes More Services

Published May 28, 2021

All Springfield-Greene County Libraries and outreach services no longer require visitors and staff to wear face masks and social distance, following the City of Springfield's May 17 decision to rescind all COVID-19 Pandemic restrictions. 

Here are several changes at The Library as a result of the easing of restrictions: 

• Face masks are no longer required in library buildings. However, health officials recommend that those who have not yet received the COVID-19 vaccine should continue wearing masks and social distancing. The public may continue to wear masks in the libraries if they prefer.
• Meeting rooms: On June 1, the public may begin scheduling library meeting rooms through the Spaces reservation system, thelibrary.org/spaces.
• The Mobile Library has resumed normal service, with no occupancy limits. See the schedule: thelibrary.org/mobilelibrary.
•  The Edge Community Technology Center, which already resumed classes, again offers one-on-one help sessions and Edge Mobile sessions at libraries and community sites. Visit thelibrary.org/edge, or call 837-5011.
• Public computers have been restored at all library branches.
• Virtual programming will continue through summer as scheduled, but in-person programs are again permitted and may be added as an option to the summer schedule. You can check if a program you're interested in has an in-person option by visiting thelibrary.org/programs. 
• Library hours will remain at the adjusted schedule until further notice. They are 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, closed Sunday, at all 10 branches except Ash Grove, which is closed Saturday. Drive-up window hours are 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday, closed Sunday.

Other changes are coming this spring and summer as The Library resumes pre-COVID services. Look for more updates by visiting thelibrary.org, or facebook.com/thelibrary.org.

Other Things to Know:

• Friends of the Library donations: Until further notice, the Friends are accepting donations only at the Library Center, near the shed overhang in far southwest corner of the parking lot. 
• Online temporary library cards: are available until further notice.
• Wi-Fi Access: Wi-Fi access outside library buildings is available for extended hours until further notice. Access indoors is available during library hours.
• Passport applications: The Library Center and Library Station still accept passport applications by appointment, passport photos taken without appointment, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Call the Library Center, 883-5341, or Library Station, 616-0683. Visit thelibrary.org/passport.
• Test Proctoring: Available at library branches.  https://thelibrary.org/services/proctor.cfm 
• Interlibrary Loan and MOBIUS lending: Interlibrary Loan and MOBIUS lending services are available.  
•  Browse the collection from your armchair at thelibrary.org/catalog, and you will receive notification when the items are available. 
• Access e-books, audiobooks, magazines, movies and music through thelibrary.org/digital.
• You can read online newspapers, do research and get homework help through thelibrary.org/research.
• Here is a listing of popular online resources provided by the Library. 

For more information contact Community Relations Director Kathleen O'Dell at 417-616-0564.

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