SCPL All Branches To Close

From Santa Cruz Public Libraries:

Dear Community Members,

Sadly, the Santa Cruz Public Libraries (SCPL) are temporarily suspending the use of our facilities for at least the next two weeks, effective Saturday, March 14th at 5pm. With the threat that COVID-19 presents to our community we strongly believe that this is the responsible action. Many Library services will still be available through our online and phone services. We are also temporarily suspending the services provided by our Bookmobile.

The public schools throughout our County have also made the decision to temporarily close following the recommendations of the County Public Health Services Agency. Like the schools, our facilities face social distancing challenges and the Library supports patrons of all ages and levels of vulnerabilities.

SCPL hopes to decrease anxiety for all of us by creating a period of zero overdue fines for the remainder of March and all of April. This means that we will charge absolutely no overdue fines for any materials returned late during the period of March 13th through April 30th, 2020. Lost and damage fees still apply.

During this temporary closure, we will continue to provide reference and information services via phone, text, and email. To access these services, call 831-427-7713, text 831.264.0647, or email elibrary@santacruzpl.org. SCPL’s Virtual Library provides access to thousands of eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines, News, Movies, and Music 24/7 from home with your library card and PIN/password. Research collections and other eLearning options are also available 24/7 from home with your library card and PIN/password from our Research page. Educators and homeschool leaders without access to online teaching platforms are invited to try Brainfuse Help Now’s MEET.

Over the next two weeks, we will continue to develop programs that you will be able to access from home. We invite your input during this challenging time.

Sincerely,
Susan Nemitz, Library Director

This press release was produced by the Santa Cruz Public Libraries. The views expressed here are the author’s own.