Local libraries extend closure date

KENNEWICK — To help citizens stay in compliance with Gov. Jay Inslee’s recently extended stay-home order, the Mid-Columbia Libraries has extended its closure date to Monday, May 4. While the Othello library is closed, patrons have access to eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines and streaming videos available on midcolumbialibraries.org. The library network is also hosting a spring reading challenge in which participants can win digital Amazon gift cards. Live story times can be accessed on the library’s facebook page, facebook.com/MidColumbiaLibraries.

North Central Regional Library branches will also remain closed until the governor’s order has been lifted, according to Michelle McNiel, communications manager for NCRL. Due dates for all library materials have been extended to May 31.

People living in or owning property in the NCRL footprint who do not have a library card can get an eCard that will allow them access to all of the libraries online.

“We have also increased the numbers of books and movies people can download from Overdrive and Hoopla, launched an online Quarantine Read-a-Thon, and are now offering story times, DIY STEM projects, homework help ideas, tips for book clubs and other resources on social media and our website, www.ncrl.org,” McNeil said.