Eugene and Springfield residents can now get back to the stacks and browse books. Local public libraries opened their doors this month.
As of July 6th, the Springfield Public Library is open five hours a day, six days a week for materials checkout and computer use. Adult Services Librarian Mark Riddle said appointments aren’t necessary.
“We’ve moved some of the materials around, in particular the new books and the holds have now moved to the center of library," he said, "but luckily we have a whole batch of new signage and so people can come on in and have an explore and find the materials that they’re looking for.”
Riddle said teen activities are a mix of online and in-person and adult activities are still virtual.
The Eugene Public Library and its branches are also open for browsing and checkout. Like Springfield, hours remain shorter than pre-pandemic, and some new services like curbside pickup remain available. The downtown library study rooms and Maker Hub are not yet open.
Eugene Public Library director Will O'Hearn said holds are now self-service, and that all services are dialing up to full strength. There are some in-person storytimes this summer, and others are available online.