The American River College Library, which has not been open to the public since the beginning of the pandemic, is set to reopen in the spring of 2022. 

During the ARC Student Body meeting on Nov. 5, ARC librarian Sarah Lehmann shared a short presentation on the library about how to find certain types of research and about the library’s plans to reopen.

“The building will be opening in the spring, we are finalizing our hours,” Lehmann said.

Before entering the ARC library, patrons will have to follow certain vaccination protocols.

According to the ARC COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement, Operational Protocol as of Oct. 21 all Los Rios students who attend classes on campus or any on-campus services must meet the vaccination requirement. 

Kate Williamson, ARC librarian says there are lots of changes happening with the library. 

Williamson added, with the library being closed to the public, it has allowed time for the librarians to find ways to improve the needs of students and staff.

“Reviewing and moving collections is hard to do when the library is open, so we have taken this opportunity to do a deep dive into physical resources we offer and try to ensure collections are in optimal places,” Williamson said. “We’ve also had some improvements like replacing old and dirty carpeting in the library.” 

Williamson says the course of the library has changed since remote learning, the librarians have now been able to provide physical check-outs of books and continued to provide orientations to deliver library instruction for classes via Zoom. They also increased the offerings of their online services. 

One ASB member voiced their concern about study rooms during an ASB meeting.

“In the spring, since we’ll be open we do have 18 study rooms,” Lehmann said. “They can’t be reserved, but they are available on a first-come-first-serve basis, and groups have priority.” 

Williamson says she is excited for the library building to open. 

“I miss being able to interact with students face-to-face, other librarians and the library staff in person,” Williamson said. 

To find out the hours the library will be open click here.