Some offer alternative services for patrons

TRI-CITY AREA — Last week, local libraries began cancelling all scheduled events as a coronavirus precaution. Since then, all have gone a step further and closed their doors.

The Dryden Township Library will be closed until April 6, following recommendations from the health authorities.

Director Diane Moyer said “It was an extremely hard decision for the library to make, but the health of our patrons, our staff and families were our priority. We hope our patrons take advantage of our curbside service. We want to minimize the impact on them as much as possible.”

Curbside service is only being offered through today, March 18. During the closure, the library will not be issuing late fees but asks that items are returned via their dropbox when possible.

For information, call the library at 810-796-3586.

In St. Clair County, all branches closed to the public on Monday, March 16, at 3 p.m. Officials told patrons that all held items won’t be affected by the closure and due dates will be adjusted. They asked that items not be returned via drop boxes until operations resume.

At Ruth Hughes Memorial District Library in Imlay City, staff has placed boxes of free items, including movies and books, outside their front door for patrons to choose from.

“Take home whatever you like, and, in a huge reversal from normal, don’t bring it back!” staff said in a Facebook post.

At the Almont District Library, patrons were able to retrieve requested materials housed at the facility through Tuesday via a curbside checkout system.

They are asking that materials not be returned during the closure and stated no overdue fines would be charged.