Hickory – Hickory Public Library will reopen its branches to the public for browsing, checking out materials, and computer use on Thursday, October 1. Hours will remain Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

In order to help control the number of people within facilities, patrons are asked to limit their library visits to one hour. Seating will only be available at computer workstations. Patrons are encouraged to wear face coverings and maintain social distancing while inside library buildings. Library staff has implemented increased cleaning and sanitization procedures for high-touch areas to further ensure the safety of library visitors.

Admittance to the Carolina Room at Patrick Beaver Memorial Library will be available by appointment only.

The Ridgeview Branch will continue to operate out of the neighboring Ridgeview Recreation Center, while construction is underway for the library’s renovation and expansion. A small collection of high demand items will be moved to the recreation center for browsing and checkout.

Customers who are not yet comfortable entering a library building may continue to take advantage of the popular Library To-Go pickup service at both branches. Materials may be reserved through an online library account or by phone for later pickup. Reference services will continue to be offered by phone. For further convenience, all digital resources are available 24/7 from any location where patrons have an internet connection.

Patrick Beaver Memorial Library is located on the SALT Block at 375 Third Street NE. Ridgeview Branch Library is temporarily relocated to Ridgeview Recreation Center at 115 Seventh Avenue SW. For more information, please call 828-304-0500 or visit www.hickorync.gov/library.