E. Bonner Co. Libraries to reopen Sept. 1

By Lyndsie Kiebert
Reader Staff

East Bonner County Library District facilities will reopen to the public Tuesday, Sept. 1, exactly one month after closing due to coronavirus concerns.

The shift back to curbside services on Aug. 1 closely followed a July 28 protest outside the Sandpoint branch of the library, when law enforcement officers responded to a group of people attempting to enter the building without required face coverings.

The Sandpoint branch of the East Bonner County Library. Courtesy photo.

The library board of trustees updated its mask policy during an Aug. 24 meeting, adding a definition for an acceptable face covering after one demonstrator attempted to enter the building in a mesh mask during the July protest. The refined policy requires that patrons wear a mask or face covering “that covers the mouth and nose at all times, and meets CDC guidelines.” 

Those who need ADA accommodations are asked to contact the library director and are still required to practice social distancing while visiting library facilities. Children younger than 2 years old are exempt from the mask rule.

“Any person(s) in violation of this policy will also be considered to be in violation of the Library Code of Conduct and may be subject to potential action up to and including legal trespass,” library code concludes.

To learn what hours each library location will be open starting Sept. 1, visit ebonnerlibrary.org.