Stephens Central Library to Open Monday With Limited Access for Patrons

SAN ANGELO, TX – The Stephens Central library will be opening its doors on a very limited “Grab and Go” basis for patrons who need to make short visits beginning Monday, May 18th. New modified hours for Stephens Central are Monday-Friday 9 am-5:30 pm, with hours reserved for high-risk patrons only from 9-11 am.

Stephens Central will be closed to public access on Saturdays, but will offer curbside service from 9-4. North and West branches will be open beginning Tuesday, May 19th, from 10 am-6 pm, Tuesday-Friday with hours for high-risk patrons only from 10-12; Saturday they will be open 10 am-5 pm, with 10-12 reserved only for high-risk visitors.

This very “soft” reopening is part of Phase Two of the library’s strategic plan, which seeks to balance patron service with community safety. In that spirit, we have developed the following short-term practices that may help limit the spread of COVID 19:

• We strongly encourage use of the curbside-holds pickup as the primary method of receiving materials.

• Patrons may use the library for 30 minutes once a day; 60 minutes if using the public computers. Our occupancy is restricted and may affect wait times.

• We urge all patrons to properly wear masks and follow established social-distancing practices for the duration of their short visits.

• We strongly encourage patrons return materials to external book drops.

• No in-person programming will be offered, no STEAM appointments made, no playtime available in the Children’s department, and no public meetings will be held.

We know that this looks very different from what you would normally see at your library, and we understand that access is more limited than most would like, but our reopening plan is a cautious and temporary one that is fluid and may change according to community need and viral spread. If any changes are required, we will alert the public through the usual media and digital outlets. Again, we thank you for your patience during the pandemic, and we look forward to the less-restrictive environment in Phase Three.