Libraries close, again

On Wednesday, libraries across the state were again required to close for in-person visits through "updated guidance" under the Governor's new "Healthy Washington" COVID-19 plan.

NCW Libraries closed all 30 branches Wednesday afternoon in accordance with the state guidelines.

Earlier Wednesday, the state issued updated guidelines for public libraries, allowing for curbs and mail order service but prohibiting in-person library service in Phase 1 of the state’s plan. Regions must be in Phase 2 for libraries to open. Currently, all eight regions in the state remain in Phase 1.

There is no data or supported justification provided by the Governor for this action.

This is a reminder of last summer, with the state's capricious and unscientific 10pm curfew on alcohol sales, later being upped to 11pm, again with no data to support it but apparently because many restaurant owners loudly complained of the losses it caused.

If this all looks entirely arbitrary to you, that's because it is.