Six months into the pandemic, Peoria has reopened both its public library branches.
Visitors can use computers, browse the stacks and check out items, but they’ll need to do it while wearing masks and social distancing.
Occupancy is limited to 25% at both the main library at 85th Avenue and Monroe Street, and Sunrise Mountain near 98th Avenue and Lake Pleasant Parkway. Both branches are open Monday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m; Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.; and closed Sunday.
Visitors can stay up to one hour and use self-service checkout machines. Self-service printing and photocopying are available and so are limited computers. Study and meeting rooms remain closed and no in-person programs are happening. Peoria says enhanced cleaning procedures are in place along with protection barriers similar to plastic dividers used at grocery store checkouts.
Using federal coronavirus relief funding, Peoria launched the Wi-Fi Access For Student Success Program. Peoria residents with students in kindergarten through 12th grade who lack adequate internet access at home can check out a Wi-Fi hotspot device. The mobile device will allow access to the internet on smart phones, tablets, laptops and computers.
The library also has a limited number of laptops for students on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, call the Peoria Library at 623-733-7555.
