Jefferson County Library patrons who want to check out materials to use over the holidays need to do so by Dec. 23.
The library system, which currently offers just curbside service because of the COVID-19 pandemic, will cease all operations from Dec. 24 through Jan. 3 for intensive cleaning at all three of its branches, library director Pam Klipsch said.
The system will reopen Jan. 4, but still with curbside service only.
“It’s the time of year we’re not very busy, with the holidays,” Klipsch said. “We thought it would be easier for our cleaning services to do a more extensive deep cleaning and sanitizing if no one were in the buildings.
“It’s also a chance to give our staff a break because it’s been a very tough year for everybody here.”
Klipsch said a number of library staff members have tested positive for COVID-19 in recent months.
“We’ve had eight positive tests since October, plus others who have quarantined (due to possible exposure to people who tested positive for COVID),” she said.
Klipsch said no library services will be offered during the closure, including the return of materials because staff would need to enter the buildings to handle those items.
All return boxes for materials will be locked, she said.
“We’ve reset all the due dates so nothing will be due during the (closure period),” Klipsch said. “We just hope everybody who wants books over the holidays will stock up.”
The Jefferson County Library is made up of the Northwest branch, 5680 Hwy. PP, in High Ridge; the Arnold branch, 1701 Missouri State Road; the Windsor branch, 7479 Metropolitan Blvd., in Barnhart. The Northwest branch is in a building that also houses the system’s Central Services staff.
