The COVID-19 vaccine is making its debut in Missoula this week and the average number of daily cases has seen a bit of a decline since Thanksgiving. That's the good news and it gives us some much needed hope as we continue to battle through the pandemic. But it just takes one little scare like this to remind us that we're still dealing with a serious virus on the daily.

The Missoula Public Library took to social media yesterday (12/14) to announce that the downtown location (455 E. Main) would be closed for two weeks because a staff member was exposed to the coronavirus. The good news is the person didn't have any interaction with the public while at the library. The plan right now is for the library to be closed until December 28th.

You can follow the library's Facebook page and website for information and updates.

A copy of the Missoula Public Library's statement is below.


LIBRARY NOTICE FOR DECEMBER 14, 2020

Missoula Public Library will remain closed until December 28, 2020, due to COVID-19 exposure among our downtown staff.

During this time all curbside and lending services will be temporarily suspended, including Holds pick-up and InterLibrary Loans.

Our book drop on Jefferson Street will remain open for returns. (Oversized materials cannot be returned until 12/28/20.)

Our catalog and the Montana Shared Catalog app will remain accessible to all library users.

Using these online tools, holds can be placed on items, fines can be paid, and checked-out items can be renewed.

Hold pick-up deadlines will be frozen and resume after the 12/28/20 reopening.

If you need direct assistance with your account or Reference help please email the Library at:
mslaplib@missoula.lib.mt.us, or use the “ask us” chat box on this website.

Library staff will not be available to take phone calls during the closure.

MPL Branches are not affected by this incident of COVID-19 exposure and will operate under their regular hours.

The Library’s extensive digital collections and online resources remain accessible for our users, including: Axis 360, Montana Library2Go, Kanopy, Flipster, and our online databases.

Our virtual programs will continue as planned, including: Book Clubs, Memory Cafe, Watercolor Class, and Online D&D.

For the full range of MPL’s resources and activities we invite you to explore our website.

We apologize for any inconvenience due to this closure. MPL’s priority remains the health and safety of our community and our staff. Stay safe Missoula!


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