St. Charles Library joins others in closing due to rising number of COVID-19 cases

Citing the rising number of COVID-19 cases, the St. Charles Public Library announced it will be closing to the public starting Wednesday.

The library, located temporarily at the former Haines Middle School building at 305 S. 9th Street due to renovations at the facility on Main Street, will revert to previous COVID-19 restrictions including vestibule pickup of holds by appointment only during normal operating hours.

"The library closure is in direct response to our commitment to work within health guidelines, to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and to limit the exposure to our community," a message on the library's website stated,

After restricting access in the spring, the library opened to the public for limited services in July. Since then patrons have been allowed to browse the collection, pick up holds inside the library and use copy services.

The library gave no indication as to how long it will stay closed to the public, but the library staff remains available for questions by phone, text or through a live chat on its website. The library encouraged patrons to use its selection of eBooks, downloadable audiobooks and online databases for homework help.

The Batavia Public Library closed to the public beginning Tuesday. Curbside pickup is still being offered, bookdrops are open and staff members are available by phone, text and email.

Town and Country Public Library in Elburn, which closed to the public on Saturday, and Messenger Public Library in North Aurora, which is closing to the public on Wednesday, also are offering curbside pickup to patrons.