VALLEY CITY, N.D. (VCBC Library) – The following is a news release from the Valley City Barnes County Public Library.

“During their regular monthly meeting February 18, 2021, the library governing board made the following changes regarding library operations effective Monday March 1st:

1. The library will open M-F at 10am, which was the original time pre-Covid. Saturdays will continue with the 1pm opening. Closing times will continue MWFS at 5pm and TR at 7pm. The two hours from 10am to noon will be appointment only, to accommodate patrons who may have health issues.

2. Starting at noon M-F and 1pm Saturday, appointments will no longer be required. The library will continue with a five-patron limit at any one time. Because of this, patrons will still have the option to reserve an appointment time from noon to close. Patrons with an appointment will count toward the capacity limit, whether they have arrived yet or not.
Walk-ins without an appointment will be admitted to the building unless we have reached the five-patron limit, at which time they will have to wait outside until a current patron departs. Library doors will remain locked to help control access. Please ring the door bell. Patron entrance and exit will remain only at the SE entrance.

3. To better meet the needs of our younger patrons, school age children, 5 and up, be allowed in-person access to library materials starting at 3pm and going until close every day, including Saturday.

Face masks will continue to be required while in the library. Additionally, social distancing, and good hand hygiene practices will continue to be required to enter and remain the building. Patron visits will continue to be limited to a ½ hour.

Curbside service for all patrons will continue following the current protocols.

All returning library materials will continue with our current 48-hour quarantine protocol. As you have the previous several months, please continue to utilize the red drive-up drop box between the library and city county health. Desk returns will not be accepted unless otherwise instructed by a member of staff.

Any patron who chooses not to abide by the above rules will not be permitted entrance or will be asked to leave if they disregard the rules after entering. Any complaints or comments can be addressed to the director or a board member. Harassment of library staff, including the director, will not be tolerated.”