Last year, we closed facilities to protect public health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Essential city services like public safety, emergency maintenance and child care continued in-person. Most other city services changed format to virtual, online and curbside pickup. Then in late May 2021, we announced the city’s 4-phase reopening plan to expand access to city services and city facilities.

The Main Library and Belle Haven Branch Library reopen to indoor public access starting Tuesday, July 6. Both locations will open for the following hours, which may change and/or expand in the future:

• Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays: Noon-8 p.m.
• Fridays and Saturdays: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Sundays, Mondays, holidays: closed

 COVID-19 safety procedures
Library visitors will be required to comply with applicable State of California and/or San Mateo County health guidelines related to face coverings and COVID-19 vaccination status that state: 

• Unvaccinated visitors are required to wear face coverings inside the library at all times.
• Fully vaccinated visitors need not wear face coverings inside the library, with exceptions defined below.
• All visitors, regardless of their vaccination status, must wear face coverings inside the library on days when the library is designated an official cooling center.
• Physical distancing is no longer required, but is encouraged out of respect for others’ personal space and comfort.
• Visitors must follow all applicable library polices and rules at all times.
• Library staff will not ask library visitors to divulge their confidential medical information, including their vaccination status. Per State of California guidelines, members of the public may self-attest to their vaccination status (honor system).

All of the above guidelines and policies are subject to change depending on revisions to state and/or local guidelines going forward. 

The increases in vaccinations and decreasing cases of COVID-19 have eased most, but not all, pandemic-related restrictions, and allow for the safe reopening of city facilities to begin. All community members who are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine but have not yet done so are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated as soon as possible. Safe, free and effective COVID-19 vaccines are available to everyone age 12 and up. Visit MyTurn.CA.gov.