While still keeping a watchful eye on the county’s risk level, the Newport Public Library will be reopening on Monday, April 5, with browsing and computer use appointments available with limited walk-ins. 

According to a Monday press release from library staff, the library will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Mondays and from 2 to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays for browsing appointments. Computer appointments will be available during the same time periods.

Up to four walk-in patrons will be allowed in the building at a time, and patrons will be limited to one 30-minute browsing session per week. Patrons ages 12 and up are allowed to visit without a parent or guardian, but those 12 and under will require supervision.

Access will be limited to the upstairs floor of the library, but items from the downstairs area and Teen Room will be available upon request at the circulation desk.

If Lincoln County returns to the state’s high or extreme risk categories, browsing and computer access will be suspended until the risk level is back in the moderate or lower-risk status. 

The library’s take out services will continue to operate Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Patrons using the take out services can ring the bell near the staff door of the upper parking lot or call in for curbside pickup. Take out service is limited to one visit per week. The loan period for DVDs is one week, while all other items will be for two weeks.

Patrons entering the building will be required to take a temperature test, and any items handled should be placed on carts instead of directly onto shelves for a 24-hour quarantine period. The same quarantine applies to the library’s take out services.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 541-265-2153, email at [email protected] or go to www.newportlibrary.org. To access the library’s online catalogue or request holds, go to encore.oceanbooks.org.

“The impact of our library’s closure has been a significant loss for many in our community in terms of access to books, books on CD, music and films, public computers, internet, meeting space, programs, as well as the disruption to personal contact and interactions,” the release read. “New understanding of how the virus spreads and how long it may be viable has allowed for the development of low-risk procedures that facilitate lending of library materials.”