(WWJ) The Ann Arbor District Library (AADL) has announced it will shut down all of its locations for at least two weeks amid a surge of COVID-19 among its staff and their close contacts.
In an announcement on Twitter, the AADL said the closure will take effect starting Sunday.
The AADL said no pickups will be possible during its indefinite closure, and all items set aside for a patron will stay at the front desk until it eventually reopens.
Outdoor drop boxes will remain open for returns.
However, the good news for those of you who have fallen behind on your reading: you can keep your books and other materials until the library reopens, without paying any fines.
If you recently picked up something from the library, the AADL staff said there is no need for concern.
"Don't worry if you picked up items from the library lately," they said. "There was no exposure risk related to the contactless pickups."
The library's decision was met with mixed reaction.
On the library's official website, patron commentary poured in. One said: "I hope everyone is safe! Thank you for all you do."
Another wrote: "Many are dependent on you in this strange and isolated time. Surely not everyone working for the library is infected. Please stay open. For the community. For the sake of growth, knowledge and sanity in your community."
The library did not specify a reopening date.
This announcement comes the day after Michigan reported more than 8,500 cases Friday, its highest daily single day record. Close to 2,900 Michiganders, about 2.5% of the state's active cases, are hospitalized with the virus statewide.
Health officials say hospitalizations have increased fivefold in the past six weeks, as Spectrum Hospital in West Michigan fears it will reach capacity within days. Other Metro Detroit health systems are also seeing dramatic increases.
