Library patrons will be able to visit the county’s regional libraries with limited service, hours and capacity beginning Tuesday, May 26.

The Cape Coral Lee County Library, East County Regional Library, Fort Myers Regional Library, Northwest Regional Library and South County Regional Library will open at 25% capacity with hours 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

Because of continued voluntary compliance and the community’s greater awareness for Centers for Disease Control guidelines, the county announced the reopenings Tuesday at a regularly scheduled Board of County Commissioners meeting. This move is part of the county’s phased-in approach for residents while still observing guidelines.

Previously announced contactless services and book returns will continue at all library system branches. Lakes Regional Library will not reopen its doors May 26 because of a previously scheduled project. The anticipated opening for this site is June 11.

At the five libraries that will reopen May 26, signs will be posted for following CDC guidelines and floors will be marked to indicate spacing for social distancing. Plexiglas shields are installed at all public service desks, and hand sanitizer and wipes will be provided to the public. The county has removed some furniture to encourage patrons to keep visits brief so that more patrons can enjoy the libraries.

Computer use will be limited to one hour per person per day. Play items in the youth areas have been removed, as has gaming equipment in the teen areas. Study rooms and meeting rooms are not open at this time.

Staff has identified capacity for each of the open libraries and will limit visitors to the building based on capacity.

The locations of the libraries that will open next week are:

Cape Coral Lee County Library, 921 SW 39th Terrace, Cape Coral, FL 33914

East County Regional Library, 881 Gunnery Road N., Lehigh Acres, FL 33971

Fort Myers Regional Library, 2450 First St., Fort Myers, FL 33901

Northwest Regional Library, 519 Chiquita Blvd. N., Cape Coral, FL 33993

South County Regional Library, 21100 Three Oaks Parkway, Estero, FL 33928

Additional questions from library patrons can be directed to 239-479-4636, text 239-204-5321, chat at leelibrary.net or email askalibrarian@leegov.com. These services are available 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Saturday.

County leaders continue to monitor data and work with the Florida Department of Health related to the county’s phased-in approach to re-opening sites. For additional Lee County updates, visit www.leegov.com/covid-19.

Source: Lee County Government