EDITOR’S NOTE: This article has been updated to include additional information related to curbside pickups at branch locations throughout the county and access to digital content.
ENCINITAS — In addition to sweeping public safety orders issued yesterday by county leaders and health officials, San Diego County public libraries, including Encinitas, will be closed to the public after 8 p.m. today, according to a news release.
All 33 branch libraries and bookmobiles will remain closed to the public through March 31 in response to the developing novel coronavirus (COVID-19) health crisis.
The announcement comes approximately one week after county officials canceled all library sponsored and co-sponsored events, programs, and classes through the end of the month in an attempt to limit exposure to the virus.
During the closure, county staff will continue to report to our 33 branches in order to ensure that the following services remain available to the public:
Additionally, all libraries are switching to curbside pickup to help county residents practice social-distancing to stop the spread of coronavirus while accessing library books, digital magazines, music, movies and other popular items.
Starting on March 18, library patrons can use the online catalog or call their branch libraries to place orders for the books and pick them up outside the building curbside on weekdays between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. when the material is ready.
County librarian Migell Acosta said residents can still access all 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 (under e-books and e-magazines) for e-magazines like Sports Illustrated, People, Time. The New York Times and other reference resources are also available on the county library website.
