The Ygnacio Valley Library in Walnut Creek will serve as a state-run COVID-19 test site beginning on Sunday, August 23. In order to allow use of the facility and keep patrons and staff safe, library services will be suspended at 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 22, until further notice.
The need for additional test sites in the County is critical and the decision to use the Ygnacio Valley Library was made in coordination with the County Administrator’s office, Contra Costa Health Services and the City of Walnut Creek.
“We are sad to close one of our libraries at a time when services are in high-demand,” said County Librarian Melinda Cervantes. “But we understand the importance of providing space for community testing and hope use of the library will help to slow the spread in Contra Costa County.”
The book drop will close on Saturday, August 22 at 5 p.m. After that time, all library materials should be returned to other open library locations. The Contra Costa County Library is fine free and overdue materials will not accrue daily overdue fines, but materials not returned for 30 days after their due date will be considered lost and replacement fees may apply.
Thursday, August 20 is the last day to place holds online for pick-up at Ygnacio Valley Library. Holds may be picked up via Front Door Service through Saturday, August 22. Any holds not picked before the library closes will be sent to the Concord Library and patrons will be notified. Ygnacio Valley Library patrons who wish to continue using library services should change their pick-up location to any of the 24 other community libraries offering Front Door Service.
“If we are ever going to beat this COVID-19 pandemic, we need accessible testing sights,” said Walnut Creek Mayor Loella Haskew. “Walnut Creek prides itself on meeting the needs of our community and, in concert with the County Library System, the Ygnacio Valley library is now open to conduct testing. We are fortunate that there is our main library downtown and other nearby facilities to still meet their primary purpose and that is to make books, audios, and other lendable items available to the public.”
To sign up for a library card, place a hold or make an appointment for Front Door Service, visit ccclib.org. For questions about Library services and programming or account information, contact the library via online Chat or text questions to (925) 290-7627. Both services are available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
To get tested for COVID-19, visit coronavirus.cchealth.org/get-tested or call (844) 421-0804.
Is this replacing the COVID test center that’s been open for a few weeks at Buena Vista Elementary School?