Contra Costa County Library is celebrating an increase in open hours at 17 community libraries beginning today.
Nine libraries have increased hours thanks to funding from city partners. The County has also increased the number of base hours it funds at each library from 35 to 40, allowing for an increase in hours at eight libraries. In total, libraries will be open an additional 121 hours per week, 16.5 hours more per week than before the pandemic began.
“It is wonderful that so many cities and towns in the county see the immense value library services provide to our communities,” said Diane Burgis, chair of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors. “Prioritizing an increase to library hours means more access to important services and resources for everyone.”
Five libraries will also change their hours of operation as of July 1. The new schedules help to align staffing at libraries across the county and address a goal in the Library’s Strategic Plan, to deliver a consistent, high-quality, and inviting experience at all points of contact.
Following the Independence Day holiday, three additional libraries will open to the public for the first time in more than 15 months. On July 6, the Pinole Library, which has been serving as a COVID-19 test site since May of 2020 will open. The Rodeo Library and the Crockett Library will reopen on July 6 and July 7, respectively. Two of the smaller libraries in the county, the outlets have offered only Front Door Service in recent months due to social distancing requirements.
The Ygnacio Valley Library in Walnut Creek is no longer serving as a COVID-19 test site. The parking lot will be replaced this summer and the library is scheduled to reopen in early fall. No exact date is available at this time.
“Our libraries served our communities in so many ways during the pandemic, with a safe Front Door Service option, as COVID test sites, using 3D printers to create PPE, collecting donations, and with more than 70 staff members working in disaster service roles,” said County Librarian Alison McKee.
“We are very proud of the work we provided but are more excited to have all 26 of our libraries open to the public very soon.”
