Dear Washington County Library cardholders,

As many of you may know, Governor Tim Walz issued a new executive order directing Minnesotans to stay home as much as possible for the next two weeks.

In the flurry of information that has come out since, guidance from the Minnesota Department of Education indicated that public libraries who can safely offer modified services like curbside holds pickup should continue to do so.

I’m very proud of how Washington County Library staff have quickly adapted to this changing environment, developing a very successful and safe curbside pickup model in just a few days. Since our branches closed to the public on March 18, we’ve completed more than 1,400 curbside pickup transactions across our eight branches. In addition to books, we’ve also handed out tax forms, print outs, health care forms, library cards, and copied newspaper articles.

All of that is to preface some simple news – Washington County Library will continue to offer curbside pickup services, but with limited hours of operations. 

Over the next two weeks, library staff will be available Monday-Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to answer questions via phone, email, and chat, and to provide curbside pickup service.

We will be closed this weekend, and reopen with these new hours on Monday, March 30. Hours and services at associate libraries in Stillwater and Bayport may be different.

We believe these reduced hours will allow us to staff our libraries effectively and safely, while still meeting the needs of our communities.

For more information about our modified services, links to online storytimes, library express lockers, and access to digital books and resources, please visit our website at WashCoLib.org.

Thank you for your continued patience, understanding, and support during these uncertain times.

Amy Stenftenagel

Director, Washington County Library