The Bainbridge Library and Kitsap Regional Library are tentatively planning to reopen in mid-March.

At that time, they will offer limited in-building services with the intent to expand further in April, said Jeannie Allen, director of Strategy and Communications.

“Like many libraries across Washington, we are eager to welcome the community back into our buildings,” she said. “We continue to reopen in phases to ensure both staff and the community’s safety.”

In the beginning phase of the reopening, the priority will be access to computers, printers and faxing for the public.

“Access to technology has been the most significant need in our communities, which we’ve not been able to meet through the services we have been offering curbside” due to COVID-19 restrictions, Allen said.

The board of trustees Tuesday also decided to offer the ability to walk-in to browse the collection, pick up holds and check out materials.

She said the libraries also will reduce the time for quarantining returned materials from 96 to 24 hours.

“This will bring our practice in line with our state’s guidelines and will allow us to get popular items back out to our patrons more quickly,” she said, adding they also offer Book-a-Librarian online to provide reference services.

Allen said they will continue to offer curbside services like holds pickup, free printing and book bundles, “Because we know that many people will not yet be ready to come back into the library.”