Cd’A Library closed until further notice

The Coeur d’Alene Public Library is closed until further notice.

In a press release sent out Monday morning, the Library’s statement said the move was part of an ongoing effort to stop the potential spread of the coronavirus.

Patrons will still be able to place holds and the library staff are making arrangements to provide curbside service to deliver books and other materials without making personal contact. Patrons picking up holds do not need to bring their library cards because that information is provided when holds are placed.

Holds can be placed at the library’s website – www.cdalibrary.org. Library staff are answering phones and checking email. Contact the library at 208-769-2315 or info@cdalibrary.org. The library’s hours for service will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Weekend operations are discontinued for now.

For the time being patrons, do not need to return borrowed items until the emergency is over. No overdues will be enforced during the closure.

Library Director Bette Ammon said the decision to close the library was made in consultation with the Library Board of Trustees and Mayor Steve Midmyer and other city officials.

“We cannot in good conscience keep the library open to the public when 30 miles away in Spokane crowds of 50 or more people are being banned,” she said. “We will continue to monitor the situation and will reopen when it is safe to do so.”

Panhandle Heath in Idaho is also recommending avoiding groups of people of 50 or more and that individuals maintain a safe distance for other people.

The Coeur d’Alene library last week had canceled all public programs and suspended all meeting reservations through at least March. Lake City Public Library, the branch in the high school on Ramsey Road, has also been closed along with all other local schools.

Library patrons are also encouraged to make use of the online resources available through the EXPLORE link at the website. Ebooks are available through OverDrive and Libby. Through the Freegal service, up to five songs a week can be downloaded to keep.