This news item expired on Monday, May 25, 2020 so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.
Buncombe County has modified its Stay Home-Stay Safe emergency order to transition into Phase 1 of easing certain COVID-19 restrictions. Buncombe County Libraries are currently making plans for phased reopening activities in a cautious manner. “While the Governor has given the go-ahead for libraries to reopen at 50 percent capacity, the health and safety of our patrons and employees is our number one concern. We consider our libraries closer to restaurants as more people tend to stay awhile while they enjoy our facilities as a community space,” said Buncombe County Public Libraries Director Jim Blanton.
As staff returns to buildings they will be working to rearrange layouts based on safety recommendations for physical distancing, setting up quarantine areas for returned items, and developing online programming. Preparations are underway for curbside service to start the week of May 18, at four of our busiest locations: North Asheville, South Buncombe, Black Mountain, and West Asheville.
Book drops will be open starting Monday, May 18, and we will begin accepting returns, no fines will be charged as we work through our reopening process. Please visit buncombecounty.org/library for the latest information on resources available and reopening plans.
Current Library Services
- Use your library card to download books, audio books and magazines from the digital library.
- Don’t have a library card? We can give Buncombe County residents a card by email.
- Five awesome library resources you can use from anywhere.
- While library programs are on hold, the Children’s Librarians of Buncombe County Public Libraries are hosting online storytimes for kids of all ages.
- We also have a collection of stories you can listen to anytime on our StoryLine. Just call (828) 250-KIDS (5437) and hear a story read by your favorite librarian. We have stories in English and Spanish, and we change the story on a regular basis.
- Since you can’t come to us while the libraries are closed, we are bringing some of our programs to you using Facebook live and ZOOM broadcasts.
- While the libraries are closed, you can call Ask-A-Librarian with any questions you may have about library materials, digital services, or reference assistance. Librarians will be staffing the phones Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. to connect you with all the resources we have available.
- Buncombe County Public Libraries have free wifi hotspots available outside any library building. To use the wifi, look for the LibraryGuest network and use the password readmore.
If you have questions or need help with any of these services, please call (828) 250-4700 or email library@buncombecounty.org.