The Santa Cruz Public Libraries will continue to
require all patrons and staff to wear a mask inside our facilities.
As our most recent policy states, "Masks that cover the nose and
mouth, that fit snugly against the face without gaps, are required for anyone
over 2 years old entering library buildings - coverings such as bandanas, gaiters, masks with
vents, & face shields on their own are not permitted."
"Mascarillas que cubren la nariz y la boca, que encajan
firmemente contra la cara sin huecos, son necesarias para cualquier
persona mayor de 2 años de edad que ingrese a las bibliotecas - cubiertas como
pañuelos, mascarillas con respiraderos y protectores faciales por sí solos
no están permitidos."
We can provide patrons with a mask at the door of each branch if you do not
have one.
Per, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
Face coverings are still required regardless of vaccination
status in the following settings and situations under State orders:
- ·
Correctional Facilities/Detention Centers
- ·
Homeless Shelters and Disaster/Emergency
Shelters
- ·
Indoors in youth programs/settings
- ·
Whenever a department determines that face
coverings are warranted because the risk may be high for reasons such as the
size of a venue, number of participants, ability to determine vaccination
status of participants, the nature of the activity, etc.
SCPL decided to keep our mask policy for several reasons:
- ·
The county still requires unvaccinated
individuals to wear masks, and we do not have the resources or desire to check
vaccination cards at the door.
- ·
The CDC still recommends everyone continue to
wear masks in Santa Cruz.
- ·
We have a responsibility to protect our patrons,
and children under 5 are still unable to get vaccinated.
- ·
Staff were surveyed and the overwhelming
majority supported keeping the mask requirement.
If you have any questions or comments about this policy,
please reach out to the Director of Libraries, Yolande Wilburn at:
831-427-7700 ext. 7611
wilburny@santacruzpl.org
