The new wave of Delta variant COVID cases in Lincoln County has claimed another victim — the expanded “open” hours at the Yachats Public Library.
The all-volunteer library will still be open to the public for browsing, checkouts and all other library services — but only from noon to 4 p.m. Mondays. Mask requirements, sign-in and maximum occupancy restrictions will remain in place.
The library will return to reservation days on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 1-3 p.m. for pickup of books reserved online. The library has received a new book return box, which is open day and night, and sits outside the front door.
The new schedule begins Wednesday, Sept. 1.
“We apologize to our patrons for this inconvenience,” said co-librarian Rose Valentine, “But we have to keep the concerns of our volunteers our top priority.”
In late June, after 17 months of pandemic closure, the library re-opened for weekday afternoon, in-person business, Mondays through Fridays.