Pierce County Library System opens book drops at all locations

PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – The Pierce County Library System continues to expand limited services from the library buildings, while the buildings remain closed to the public to help reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus pandemic 2019 (COVID-19).

Book drops are now open at 19 of the Library System’s 20 libraries (www.piercecountylibrary.org/branches/branch-listing.htm): Administrative Center & Library, Bonney Lake, Buckley, DuPont, Eatonville, Fife, Graham, Gig Harbor, Key Center, Lakewood, Milton/Edgewood, Orting, Parkland/Spanaway, South Hill, Summit, Steilacoom, Sumner, Tillicum and University Place Pierce County Libraries. The book drop in Ashford is also open. The book drop at Anderson Island Pierce County Library will open July 13.

Given the ongoing economic burden brought on by the pandemic as well as the overall disruption to library services, the Library System will not assess fines for overdue books and materials for the remainder of 2020.

Free Wi-Fi (www.piercecountylibrary.org/services/wireless-access/Default.htm) service continues to be available for use outside of all of the library buildings in parking lots, with a continued emphasis on social distancing.

Staff is also making plans to offer curbside service for people to pick up books, movies and other materials, as well as copies of prints people may send remotely to printers in the libraries. The Library projects to start this service in mid-July.

The Library is reimaging services for the public and starting with limited services, as it readies its operations and offerings to bring more services safely in the coming weeks and months.

Pierce County Library continues to encourage people to enjoy a variety of online services available for free, including e-books, audiobooks and magazines (www.piercecountylibrary.org/books-materials/audiobooks-ebooks/), online resources, the Virtual Library with online classes and events for people of all ages, and staff produced videos.

Earlier this month, the Library System launched its Summer Reading program for people of all ages. For the most part, the Summer Reading program is an online program with activities and live events.

The Pierce County Library is committed to safe and welcoming libraries for the public’s use and a safe work place for staff, and it will offer further services in the coming weeks and months.

More information: https://www.piercecountylibrary.org/services/library-reimagined.htm


Contact: Mary Getchell, Marketing and Communications Director
253-548-3428-office; 253-229-4477-mobile


About Pierce County Library System
The nationally acclaimed Pierce County Library System serves 614,000 people throughout Pierce County with 20 libraries and online services. The system is the fourth largest in the state and is funded primarily through property taxes. People may choose from 1.1 million books, movies and other materials, as well as nearly half a million online/downloadable materials. Pierce County Library is committed to directing services in three primary areas: learning, enjoyment and community connection. Its services and programs spark success for Pierce County residents. More than 2 million people visit Pierce County Libraries each year. The Library provides services and programs directly to people in adult care facilities or who are homebound, and to children in child care centers and schools. Pierce County Libraries are located at Anderson Island, Bonney Lake, Buckley, DuPont, Eatonville, Fife, Gig Harbor, Graham, Key Center, Lakewood, Milton/Edgewood, Orting, Parkland/Spanaway, Pierce County Library Administrative Center, South Hill, Steilacoom, Summit, Sumner, Tillicum and University Place. Pierce County Library is an independent municipal corporation and operates as a junior taxing district.
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