by Steven Felschundneff | steven@claremont-courier.com

Just in time for spring reading, the Claremont Helen Renwick Library will reopen in two weeks, one of the first branches in the county to resume in-person services.

With Los Angeles County entering the orange tier of the state’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy, L.A. County Library officials announced on Friday plans to reopen 30 of the 85 libraries for select in-person service beginning April 19. The 30 libraries have been cleared to safely reopen at 50 percent capacity under county public health guidelines including wearing face coverings and maintaining physical distancing.

“In preparation for reopening its doors to the public, L.A. County Library is working diligently to ensure safety protocols are met and appropriate preventative measures are in place,” library officials said in a statement.

The announcement is part of a phased reopening plan that prioritizes libraries based on geographic location, building availability, and the ability to accommodate physical distance guidelines and public health protocols. Other consideration included locations in underserved areas and branches where residents prioritize in-person services.

Additional branches across the library system will be added to the reopening plan over the coming weeks. Sidewalk service and book drops will remain available at participating libraries. In addition, outdoor programming at limited capacity will begin in early summer.

County residents are encouraged to visit LACountyLibrary.org for details regarding library hours, services, additional openings, safety protocols, scheduled events and programs.

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