The Montgomery County Memorial Library System will suspend in-person library programs “until further notice,” according to a press release on Aug. 24.
Officials with the library system, which operates eight branches across Montgomery County, said they made the decision after consulting with county public health officials. The risk to children under 12, who cannot be vaccinated, was one of the listed concerns, according to library spokesperson Natasha Benway.
“There is a particular concern for younger participants, for whom vaccinations have yet to be approved, and where wearing masks and practicing social distancing are problematic,” Benway said in a statement.
Library events will be presented virtually, while administrators will monitor the county’s COVID-19 situation until events can return to in-person attendance.
The library system still allows patrons to check out books and use computers and printing services normally.
Montgomery County is under a disaster declaration, and as of Aug. 22 over 24% of area hospital capacity is occupied by COVID-19 patients, according to its dashboard. The county has taken steps to address the surge in cases, including hosting a Department of State Health Services antibody infusion center.
