Spokane Public Library suspends curbside pickup at three branches due to COVID-19

The Spokane Public Library suspended its curbside pickup and computer access services at multiple branches due to what it described as a “confirmed or suspected” case of COVID-19.

The services are suspended at the South Hill, STA Plaza, and Northtown library branches through Thursday, according to a notice posted on the library’s website.

The announcement does not specify whether the COVID-19 case was confirmed or suspected, or whether it affected a library employee. A library spokesperson did not return a request for comment on Tuesday.

Last month, the Spokane County Library District was forced to temporarily suspend its curbside pickup service after an employee tested positive for the coronavirus.

Since it launched curbside pickup in June, the library has adopted a quarantine policy of 72 hours for returned books and other materials.

The library had just begun to reopen for some in-person services, including allowing patrons to schedule time to browse the collection, when Gov. Jay Inslee announced new restrictions in November.

Patrons can still make reservations for computer access at any library location.