KDL Delaying Re-Opening

Earlier in June I wrote about the KDl, Kent District Library, locations that were expected to re-open on Monday, July 6. Pretty exciting news since they have been closed for nearly 3-months now. But alas, those plans have been put on hold.

Fox 17 reported that yesterday the library system said it is delaying its reopening plan. A new date for when the 19 branches will reopen has not been set.

The library system thought they would be ready to open, but Executive Director Lance Werner cited the increased risk of coronavirus in West Michigan as the reason.

Yes, Kent County is in a better situation than many other areas. But, Werner said "we are committed to helping to create a sustained improvement. Right now, the trend needs to be turned around."

Yesterday, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported 262 new cases as of Tuesday with the death toll rising by 4. The current Michigan death toll has reached 5,951.

Two regions of Michigan are actually in the "higher risk" area, Lansing and the Greater  Grand Rapids area. Lansing was was moved to the "high" risk list and Grand Rapids the "medium high" risk list, because our daily case count climbed into the 50's up from the low 30's.

The Kent District Library did say that their Online services, including live-streamed programs and digital resources, will not be affected. Drop boxes and curbside pickup will continue until the branches reopen.