KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Mid-Continent Public Library will close all of its branches for an extended “Thanksgiving break” as it continues to grapple with staffing issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
All MCPL branches will close at 5 p.m. on Wednesday and remain closed through Sunday, Nov. 29.
Seven branches already were closedafter staff either tested positive or were exposed to COVID-19. All in-branch services were temporarily paused on Monday, with open locations only offering curbside or drive-up service.
Library leaders said they made the decision to close for several days over Thanksgiving in an attempt to mitigate employee exposure to the virus.
“Our goal with these extra days closed is to allow some time to pass in between employees’ shifts. Even a few days could mean the difference between one of us coming in before we are symptomatic, and staying home once we realize we are sick,” MCPL Director and CEO Steven V. Potter said in a news release. “As cases in the metro continue to rise, we are doing everything we can to balance customer service with preserving health and safety, and right now, that means taking every opportunity we can to limit exposure, so that our staff can continue to work safely and continue to serve you.”
All branches that are currently open will resume curbside and drive-up service during regular hours on Monday, Nov. 30.
The library system warned that additional outbreaks and closures could impact its ability to maintain staffing levels inside the branches through December.
