Berkeley Public Library Continued Response to COVID-19 Coronavirus
All Library Facilities to Close: Effective Monday, March 16, 2020
Library Facility Closures
In adherence to the City of Berkeley's social distancing efforts in place to respond to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, all five Berkeley Public Libraries will close to the public effective Monday, March 16, 2020.
This includes the following locations:
Central Library
Claremont Branch
North Branch
Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch (including the Tool Lending Library)
West Branch
We apologize for the inconvenience.
There are now confirmed cases of community spread of COVID-19 in Alameda County and the Library joins other nearby library systems, the business community, along with local governmental and educational agencies, in taking unprecedented measures to support community and staff safety.
Current holds will be extended to allow you to pick them up after the Library has reopened.
The Library will work this week to extend due dates for currently checked out materials. Note that most materials are automatically renewed unless another borrower has placed a hold on the item.
Berkeley Public Library was one of the first to go "fine free" to make the Library a more accessible service for everyone. Since 2018, the Library no longer charges daily overdue fines for most materials.
Although the Library's book-drops will remain open until further notice, we encourage you to hold onto Library materials until the Library reopens. Fees will be waived for the few materials that currently accrue overdue fines.
When will the Libraries reopen to the public?
Closing the libraries was not a decision made lightly. We are working under the guidance of the City Public Health Officer to determine when it will be safe to re-open the facilities.
Are other City of Berkeley facilities and services effected too?
Yes. For the latest updates on City of Berkeley facility closures such as senior centers as well as City service changes please read the news releases available here: www.cityofberkeley.info/coronavirus.
Actions You can Take to Slow the Spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus
The City of Berkeley and the Public Health Officer offer guidance on topics including:
We know how important the Library's collections, programs, and facilities are for you. BPL is one of the busiest public libraries, per capita, in the nation. Berkeley uses and loves its libraries! We are dedicated to continuing to serve you.
We will re-open the Library's facilities to the community as quickly as possible and, in the meantime, we will strive to offer as much information and support as possible--virtually and by phone.
This is a time we all can come together to stem the tide of community spread--washing our hands; staying home if possible; sharing credible resources to quell misinformation. No action is too small.
City of Berkeley Health Officer Dr. Lisa Hernandez advises: "Our personal and group actions have great power. Help others. This is the time to act."