KENNEWICK — The Mid-Columbia Libraries has announced that it will close the branches and bookmobile until April 24. This will include the Othello Public Library.

All items currently checked out have had their due date extended to April 27. The Mid-Columbia Libraries encourage patrons not to return books until the libraries reopen. All services, including drive-up pick up and return services, as well as phone services, have been suspended. All library activities have also been canceled.

“We take the health of our community and our staff seriously. We understand it can be a hardship, especially for families with children. We are preparing digital educational resources for parents,” said Kyle Cox, executive director and chief librarian, in a press release on March 16. “I encourage all those who can to access our digital collection of more than 100,000 eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines, and streaming video.”

On Tuesday, March 24, North Central Regional Library announced that it too will be closing all services that had remained open after the initial closure. Patrons are asked to not return any books until the library reopens. Phones will not be staffed and mail order will cease.

Both libraries have online books and resources that can be accessed during the closure. To learn more, visit the libraries website.