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MISSION VIEJO (CNS) - Beginning tomorrow, the Mission Viejo Library will require appointments to enter the facility in an effort to minimize the spread of COVID-19.
The city made the announcement Wednesday, saying the move is an effort ``to manage the number of people in the facility and allow increased distancing'' amid the recent coronavirus surge.
``Staff members expect these measures will only be in place for two to three weeks but are actively monitoring the situation and will adjust as needed,'' the city said in a statement.
The appointments will last for 30 minutes, and can be made at https://cmvl.as.me/schedule.php.
Appointments are available every half hour, and a study room reservation also qualifies as an appointment.
According to the city, library staff will not clear the building before each series of appointments, ``but will use the reservation schedule to manage the flow of people into the building.''
The library will also offer curbside pickup service to any patron without an appointment from library opening until 5 p.m. Patrons should park in a designated curbside space in front of the library and follow instructions on the sign.
Library open hours are not changing at this time, the city said. Current hours are 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.
The library may also cancel programs or change in-person programs to virtual. Patrons are urged to visit the library website for updates.
The Friends of the Library Bookstore will also be temporarily closed, and the city asked that no donations be made until the store reopens.