VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The following is a news release by Valley City Barnes County Library Director Steve Hammel.

“The library remains committed to using accurate and up-to-date information as part of the decision-making process. As CDC, state, and local guidelines change, we will follow the science.The library board made the following changes regarding library operations effective Monday May 3rd.

1. To meet the needs of all our younger patrons, the previous age limitation has been rescinded.

2. Appointments are no longer required; however, they are encouraged. Patrons with an appointment will count toward the capacity limit, whether they have arrived yet or not.

3. Walk-ups without an appointment will be admitted to the building unless we have reached the patron limit, at which time they will have to wait outside until a current patron departs.

4. The library is increasing to a ten-patron limit in the building at any one time. This will be limited to five upstairs and five downstairs to help social distancing.

5. We will no longer be quarantining returned materials. Please feel free to return items to one of the circulation desks or utilize the red drive-up drop box between the library and city county health.

The library is open Monday, Wednesday & Friday 10am-5pm, Thursday 10am-7pm and Saturdays 1pm-5pm. Face masks will continue to be required while in the library.

Additionally, social distancing, and good hand hygiene practices will continue to be required to enter and remain the building.Patron visits will continue to be limited to a ½ hour.

Patron entrance and exit will remain only at the SE entrance. Please ring the doorbell located on the orange pylon by the door or give us a call on your cell phone. Library doors will continue to remain locked to help staff keep track of building capacity.

Curbside service will continue to be available for all patrons. Any patron who chooses not to abide by the above rules will not be permitted entrance or will be asked to leave if they disregard the rules after entering.

Any complaints or comments can be addressed to the director or a board member. Abusive behavior toward staff will not be tolerated.”