All Fontana Regional Library locations in Macon, Jackson, and Swain Counties, including Hudson Library in Highlands and Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library in Cashiers, will be closed to the public beginning Tuesday, March 17-31, although phone calls will be answered.
In evaluating information that indicates that aggressive early social distancing can stop the coronavirus from exponentially spreading, library leadership is making this difficult decision. Current plans are to reopen on April 1, but will be continually assessing the situation to determine if this date will be extended.
This decision is consistent with Governor Roy Cooper’s call for all public schools to close. The scientific data show that early, aggressive social distancing is vital in slowing the virus’s spread. By not delaying the decision to close, the benefits of social distancing will be maximized.
Overdue fines for materials due during this time will be waived. Additionally, eBooks and eAudiobooks remain available, and streaming video via Kanopy and NCLive is also available at www.fontanalib.org. Wi-Fi also extends around the perimeter of library buildings and can generally be picked up from sections of the parking lots.
The library website and Facebook page feature information links to COVID-19 resources and detailed instructions on how to access electronic resources.
To further serve the public during the time that we are closed, we plan to offer curbside pickup of materials that have been placed on hold. For more information and details, please call your local branch. You can reach Hudson library at 828.526.3031.
The library’s leadership team will continue to monitor the situation and respond accordingly. Follow the Library on Facebook and click HERE for more information.