Local libraries have taken a step back in their reopening plans following a steady increase of COVID cases across the state and new restrictions from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

As part of the revised emergency order issued by MDHHS last month, which put several tighter restrictions into place on secondary schools, colleges, universities, restaurants, bars and entertainment venues, gatherings at retail stores, libraries and museums may also not exceed 30 percent of total occupancy limits.

Walled Lake, Wixom and Commerce libraries have all closed to the public and suspended in-person service. However, they remain open for curbside services.

Walled Lake City Library

Carrie Ralston, library director of the Walled Lake City Library, said in a letter to patrons, “While this is a difficult decision, protecting the health and safety of library staff and patrons is our top priority. We will continue to monitor local case numbers and positivity rates to return to Grab & Go services as soon as it is safe.”

As part of phase two of their reopening plan (curbside pickup), library staff continue to work, but the library building is closed to the public. Curbside pickup of holds and craft kits are available, as well as virtual programs (including story times and crafts for all ages) and wireless hotspot check out for 14 days.

Additionally, downloadable eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, music and movies are available 24/7 at walledlakelibrary.org, and reference services are available by phone and email.

You can request materials for curbside pickup on the library’s website through the online catalog, or by calling the library at 248-624-3772.

“We have a tightly-controlled, phased reopening and will move to ease those restrictions as indicated by staffing levels, the availability of protective equipment and supplies, our capacity to manage each phase safely and successfully, and any local, state and federal restrictions on physical distancing, sanitization and maximum building occupancy ratios,” Ralston writes.

Commerce Township Community Library

The Commerce Township Community Library has also closed to the public and instead has switched to drive-thru hold pick-up and item return only. In-person programming has been cancelled through March 2021.

Patrons can pick-up holds at the driveup window by calling 248-669-8108 ext. 105 30 minutes before your anticipated arrival and items will be ready for you. Additionally, you can place new holds online by visiting the library catalog, or calling the library at 248-669-8108 ext. 103.

The book drop remains opens and you can return items at any time. However, items will be quarantined for several days upon return and will not be removed from your account immediately; patrons will not be charged fines during the quarantine period.

Commerce Township and Wolverine Lake residents who do not have a library card can apply for online or by calling 248- 669-8108 ext. 105.

Staff is available via phone, email and various social media channels Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.

Wixom Public Library

The Wixom Public Library has returned to curbside services only and closed the building to in-person services as of November 18.

During curbside, pick-up of holds and craft kits are available. You can book a curbside appointment by calling the library at 248-624-2512 or online. Virtual programs (including story times, crafts for all ages and book clubs) are also available, as well as wireless hotspot checkout for seven days. Residents needing computer access can checkout a Chromebook for 24 hours, paired with a hotspot. Call the library for availability.

Downloadable eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, movies and music are available 24/7 at wixomlibrary.org/digital. Residents in need of a library card can fill out an online application to receive a digital card to access digital materials.

Reference services are available by phone and email at wixom@wixomlibrary.org, and the outdoor book return remains open 24/7.

Curbside hours are Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The library says they will continue to monitor local case numbers and positivity rates to return to Grab & Go services as soon as it’s safe.