The Maui News

The Lahaina Public Library has temporarily closed after an employee tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday, the Hawaii State Public Library System announced Wednesday.

The library will undergo a thorough cleaning and reopen today.

All public library staff are required to wear their masks, practice social distancing and proper hand-sanitizing practices, a news release said. Disinfection of high-touch areas in libraries also continues as recommended by federal and state guidance. Face masks are still required while inside public libraries.

“Since reopening public services in May 2020, all of our public library employees have worked hard to protect themselves, their co-workers and their communities from exposure to this terrible virus,” State Librarian Stacey Aldrich said. “Nevertheless, this is an important reminder for all of us that despite the decline in positive cases, we must remain vigilant by wearing masks, social distancing and following recommended safety protocols such as getting vaccinated, to protect our families, our co-workers and our community.”

Library cardholders can still download e-books, stream movies, learn a language, read The New York Times and access other content when their local branch is closed by visiting librarieshawaii.org.