All San Diego County Library Branches Will Now Be Closed – March 20, 2020
March 20, 2020
Dear All,
This is truly an unprecedented and challenging time for all of us. We worked in close coordination with San Diego County’s Health and Human Services Agency to establish action plans based on each new development of this crisis. At every step, we adhered strictly to the guidelines they provide and have made every effort to do so with our customers and staff in mind. We are now called to take a step further into uncharted territories and close the doors to all branches and bookmobiles. While our physical doors are closed, library customers can still digitally access all the Library’s e-books and e-magazines around the clock — 24 hours a day, seven days a week — by downloading the Libby app for e-books or Flipster for e-magazines like Sports Illustrated, People, and Time.
Residents who do not have a library card can go to sdcl.org/ecard to get a digital library card. Any library materials currently checked out have had their due dates automatically extended until we reopen, and fines will not be accrued during the closure. Book drops will remain closed as well during this period. I know this step has been anxiously awaited. However, you should be reassured by the fact that the authority to remove services from customers does not lie in a sole individual, but it is a burden shared by many and it is one that has to be weighed carefully.
Our constant coordination with the San Diego County’s Health and Human Services Agency will continue through this closure to evaluate our possible return to services and/or our range of activities.
Until then, please stay safe and stay hopeful.
