The Northbrook Public Library, which has been closed to the public for nearly a month, will remain closed until Jan. 19, though full remote services will still be available.
The library temporarily closed Nov. 12 as a preventative measure to curb community transmission heading into the holidays, with a plan to reevaluate the situation in early December.
A positive COVID-19 case among staff sped up the process by a few days, but the shift to remote services had been planned based on recommendations from the Illinois Department of Public Health, according to spokeswoman Linda Vering.
“Learning that a staff member tested positive reinforced that we needed to close the building to reduce the number of people,” Vering said following the initial closure.
The updated return date falls in line with the local school districts’ adaptive pause, which is also expected to end Jan. 19, pending health guidelines at that point.
“We know that you are eager to return to the building, and we look forward to welcoming you back when it is safe to do so,” officials said in a statement. “When we reopen, you will be able to browse all areas of the library, including our Youth Services department.”
The library is closed to the public, so patrons can’t browse materials or use study rooms or computers. Many staff will continue working onsite, though, to provide services like curbside pickup, remote printing and virtual programming will continue. The outdoor bookdrops will also remain open 24/7 for returns.
The library’s interlibrary loan services also resumed Dec. 3, so Northbrook Public Library cardholders will be able to place holds on items from other libraries and receive them through curbside pickup, officials said.
More information about curbside pickup, delivery services, returning materials, printing and 3D printing, virtual programming, online resources and staff hours can be found or by visiting the library’s website or by calling 847-272-6224.
The Glenview Public Library has also been closed to the public since Nov. 21, with remote services available. The Library Board is expected to make a decision about whether to reopen or remain closed through the holidays during a meeting this week, spokeswoman Hilary Gabel said. An announcement is expected on Friday.
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