Library Announces New Branch Hours

Beginning December 16, most open Mid-Continent Public Library branches* will alter their hours, offering curbside and drive-through services only on the following days and times:

• Monday–Thursday: 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
• Friday and Saturday: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
• Sunday: Closed

The exceptions are the Camden Point, Dearborn, Edgerton, and Weston Branches that will operate as follows:

• Monday–Thursday: 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
• Friday and Saturday: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
• Sunday – Closed 

The Farview Neighborhood Library which will keep its current hours.  

The temporary new schedule allows Library staff to work in smaller, alternating shifts, mitigating exposure to one another and ultimately decreasing the risk of branch closures. Developed in response to growing staffing challenges related to the pandemic, the new hours will remain in effect until further notice.

“We know this schedule is certainly not ideal, but we also know that closing our branches due to outbreaks is even more inconvenient for our customers,” said MCPL Director and CEO Steven V. Potter. “Right now, we are doing everything we can to balance health and safety with customer service, and we hope these hours will help us do that.”

MCPL paused its in-branch services on Monday, November 23, after numerous branches closed due to staff members testing positive for the virus. Wi-Fi continues to be available outside each of the branches, and the Library’s online offerings are available 24/7. Outdoor book drops also remain open 24/7 for customers to return materials. At one point during November, 10 MCPL branches were closed due to COVID-19 exposure. Additional staff outbreaks could impact the Library’s ability to continue operating its facilities.

More information about MCPL’s ongoing precautions and procedures can be found at mymcpl.org/COVID.

*The exceptions to this new schedule are Farview Neighborhood Library as well as the Camden Point, Dearborn, Edgerton, and Weston Branches. These locations will keep their current hours.