NCRL to reopen book returns, curbside service

All returned materials will be quarantined for 72 hours before being handled or checked in. Masks will be required for all patrons utilizing curbside pickup.

Brewster library branch manager, Rebecca Zion has her own plan for book intake at her facility.

“I am placing a cardboard box outside the book return site,” said Zion. “When the box is full, I will close it up, tape and date it and put it in a stack. After 72 hours have passed, I will check the materials in.”

“Due to rising COVID-19 infection rates, NCRL is unable at this time to resume any services at its libraries in Chelan and Douglas counties, which are still in Phase 1.5 of the governor’s reopening plan,” said an NCRL media release. “The mail order library, which is headquartered in Wenatchee, also remains closed.”

Wi-Fi completed

The project to expand NCRL’s Wi-Fi coverage up to an additional 600 feet at all 30 library branches has been completed.

“All of the district’s libraries already offered free Wi-Fi inside the buildings,” an NCRL media release said. “While the closure of NCRL’s branches in late March has been a major barrier to those who depend on the library for their internet needs, in many locations the Wi-Fi network remained accessible near the building exterior or in the parking lot.”

The Wi-Fi expansion project was funded by grants funds from Microsoft and the Public Library Association. Remain funds will be used to purchase portable devices for checkout once libraries reopen to the public in branches where computer stations are limited.

Expanding broadband access has been a key objective for NCRL Executive Director Barbara Walters since implementing NCRL’s 2019-2021 Strategic Plan.