Libraries to Close Until Further Notice

Consistent with the Governor’s order to close Pennsylvania schools indefinitely, and the Public Library Code which grants the Deputy Secretary for Libraries the power and duty to “coordinate a Statewide system of local libraries” (24 PA.C.S. § 9311(b)(5)), the Office of Commonwealth Libraries directs Pennsylvania public libraries to remain closed until further notice is given.  Specifically:

  1. Operations that provide routine, in-person library services shall cease indefinitely.  Routine, in-person library services would be anything that requires an individual member of the public to visit the library or library staff/volunteers to have in-person contact with library users to provide anything that could be construed as routine library services.  Common sense needs to apply. Some examples of routine, in-person library services that may not be provided include permitting library users to:
  • Browse, read, or view materials at the library;
  • Borrow or pick up items at the library (including drive-by or curbside pick-up);
  • Use computers or other technology devices inside the library;
  • Attend programs or meetings sponsored by the library or external groups at the library;
  • Have library materials physically delivered to library users; or
  • Photocopy and fax materials, etc.

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