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Library reopens with restrictions

HEIDI DESCH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 6 years AGO
by HEIDI DESCH
DEPUTY EDITOR, FEATURES Heidi Desch is the Deputy Editor at the Daily Inter Lake, overseeing coverage of arts, culture, lifestyle, community, and business. Desch leads reporters in developing stories that highlight the people, traditions, and events shaping Northwest Montana, guiding content across print and digital platforms. With more than 20 years of journalism experience, including serving as managing editor of the Whitefish Pilot, Desch is a graduate of the University of Montana School of Journalism. She has received multiple Montana Newspaper Association awards, including part of the team leading the Daily Inter Lake to Best Daily Newspaper in Montana Award and the General Excellence Award in 2024 and 2025. IMPACT: Heidi’s work connects readers with stories that deepen the understanding of the community beyond daily news. | July 1, 2020 1:00 AM

The Whitefish Community Library has reopened to the public with certain restrictions in place related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Only 20 people are allowed inside the building at one time until further notice and those entering will be required to wear masks.

Library staff is wearing masks for the safety and wellbeing of patrons, says library director Joey Kositzky, and disposable masks are available upon request.

“This is an act of simple courtesy,” Kositzky said. “We would appreciate our patrons wearing their own mask.”

New days and hours of operation for the library are Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Patrons can browse the collection of books, movies, audio books and music CDs with no limit to the number of items that can be checked out.

Curbside service is still available for patrons who do not wish to come inside.

Kositzky notes that changes may occur to library operations as necessary to protect the health and wellbeing of library users.

“Whitefish Community Library is committed to continuing to try to provide the safest environment possible for patrons and staff,” she said.

Those who have a fever, shortness of breath, a cough, or other COVID-19 symptoms are asked to refrain from using this facility.

Computers, restrooms, community room and copier are temporarily unavailable.

Patrons are asked to observe 6 foot social distancing and to refrain from lingering or visiting while inside the library.

Partners’ sharing group has resumed service for all partners’ library card holders. This means patrons can now place holds on material that is not exclusive to the Whitefish Community Library’s collection. Interlibrary Loan service is also now available.

Complete information on how the library is following health directives is available upon request.

For more information, call the library at 862-9914.

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