MONROE — The Monroe Public Library has suspended in-person services, including curbside, as of Monday, Nov. 29. The outdoor bookdrop remains open, and residents may return items at their convenience.
Overdue fines will not be assessed while curbside is suspended. The library building remains closed, and in-person events are cancelled.
The Library Board of Trustees makes decisions based on the COVID-19 activity level in Green County, and set these guidelines for the Critically High level on Nov. 16. The Board made this decision for the health and safety of library patrons, staff, and the entire community during this time of high disease transmission.
Curbside will resume when the level returns to Very High. The library will provide status updates every Thursday, and any service changes would be implemented the following Monday.
Contact the Library Board at board@monroepubliclibrary.org, or by mail at 925 16th Ave. Monroe, WI 53566. Library staff are available to answer questions by phone at 608-328-7010.
Monroe schools entered Thanksgiving with large absences
The School District of Monroe registered 160 students and five staff members out of school in COVID-19 protocol on Tuesday, Nov. 23, the last day of school before Thanksgiving break.
There were 124 students in quarantine and 36 positive cases. All five schools were affected. Three of the five staff members out were positive cases for COVID-19.
When school returned Nov. 19, the total number out drastically reduced to 95, with 70 students in quarantine and 20 positive. Each school had at least two positive cases and more than 9 in quarantine.
COVID-19 vaccines are available for everyone 5-years-old and older. Booster doses are available for adults 18-plus.
According to Green County Public Health, 59.4% of eligible residents have received at least one dose, about a half of a percentage point higher than the state of Wisconsin. Of those vaccinated, 57.5% have completed the series, incluidng 85.4% of those ages 65-plus. Ages 12-15 are vaccinated at 49.5%, the lowest of the age ranges.
Green County Public Health is open for walk-in COVID-19 vaccines clinics on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
— Editor Adam Krebs contributed to this report.