For the safety and well-being of patrons and staff, effective March 30, 2020, the Library is temporarily closed to patrons until further notice due to the COVID-19 situation. This change is per the directive from the Governor and has been approved by the Library Board and the City of Valley Center. Items may be returned to the book return boxes in the parking lot during this time but no library materials can be checked out.

Staff will be monitoring emails and Facebook messages and can assist with Library account issues. Phones will not be attended and voice messages will not be returned. Please reach us via email at valleycenterlibrary@yahoo.com. All due dates will be extended and fines will not accumulate.

We miss all our patrons and we hope you all stay safe and well and can’t wait until we get to re-open and see all of you!

Our current COVID-19 Library Safety Procedures:

The safety of our patrons and staff is our highest priority.  To lessen the potential exposure to COVID-19 and other infectious diseases, the following procedures remain in place until such time as the Library Board and Library Management modify or discontinue:

The Library will remain closed to the public.  Staff assist patrons with accessing electronic materials, troubleshooting account issues, etc.  Patrons will be asked to put returns in the book boxes for proper handling with gloves by staff.

Staff will empty materials from exterior boxes twice daily. Staff handling returned items will wear gloves, another staff member will open locks, doors, handle computer requirements for checking in items, etc.  Carts and bins used for the collection of returned materials will be cleaned with disinfectant after each use.

Returned materials will be cleaned on exteriors using disinfecting wipes and sorted onto tables, where they will remain isolated from the collection and unavailable for checkout for a period of 14 days.

After 14 days, materials will be inspected for any damages or other issues prior to being re-shelved.

Materials with reserves will not be checked out to patrons until the 14 day period has completed and the Library reopens to the public.

Staff will not handle returned items without wearing gloves, and will wash hands after handling.  Staff who feel ill (cough, body aches, or fever) must stay home and may not return to the Library until they have been symptom free (without the use of fever-reducing medication) for at least 24 hours.  If staff has any indication that their illness may be COVID-19 or influenza, or if they have been exposed to anyone suspected of having COVID-19 or having exposure to COVID-19, they will notify Library management and must follow current CDC guidelines for returning to work.

Staff will maintain appropriate social distancing while at work.  Keyboards, phones and other high use items will be disinfected periodically throughout the day. The building is being professionally cleaned multiple times each week.