Pittsboro, NC – Chatham County announces the reopening of major county facilities after being closed throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Beginning Monday, April 5, 2021, the county libraries, Parks and Recreation facilities and the Chatham County Agriculture and Conference Center will provide modified in-person services to the public.
Building capacity is not to exceed more than 50 people at one time per NC Executive Order 204 issued by Governor Roy Cooper on March 23. Services will be modified, and safety precautions will remain in place based on state health guidelines.
“I am grateful that our departments have continued to adapt and find creative ways to serve the public during this challenging year, and we appreciate the community’s patience,” said Chatham County Manager Dan LaMontagne. “As the state eases restrictions, we look forward to interacting with community members and offering the in-person customer service that we have all missed over the last year.”
The following is an overview of reopening plans for the various facilities:
Chatham County Libraries
All Chatham County library branches (Pittsboro, Goldston and Siler City) will reopen on April 5 with limited hours of operation Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. In addition to abiding by the 50-person limit inside each facility, browsing collections and checkout is limited to 30 minutes per patron. People are encouraged to use one of three self-serve stations for contactless checkout (Pittsboro branch only).
Public computer use will be first come, first served, and will be for the duration of one hour per day, per patron. Individuals must use their allotted time in one session. Computer users are not permitted to leave and return to a computer workstation mid-session. Computer lab capacity has been reduced at all branches to ensure proper social distancing; eight PC stations at the Pittsboro branch, four at Wren Memorial in Siler City, and four at the Goldston branch.
Curbside service is still available by appointment only. External book drops are open at all locations. More information about the library’s services and programs may be found at chathamlibraries.org.
Chatham County Parks and Recreation Department
While the Chatham County Parks and Recreation’s outdoor facilities have been open to the public, the department will begin accepting indoor reservations beginning April 5. Residents must comply with the gathering limit of 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors, with six-feet social distancing and face coverings required.
For more information about indoor reservations, programs and events, residents may call 919-545-8551 or visit chathamcountync.gov/parks-recreation.
Chatham County Agriculture and Conference Center
The Chatham County Agriculture and Conference Center will begin taking reservations for meetings and events for external groups on April 5th. Events and meetings must comply with the gathering limit of 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors, with six-feet social distancing and face coverings required. These requirements are subject to change as gathering restrictions and safety guidelines may change. Enhanced cleaning protocols will be used between events, including electrostatic spraying of event spaces and wiping down of hard surfaces.
More information about the Ag Center’s facilities and services and how to reserve them can be found at chathammeetings.com.
Important Reminders from the Chatham County Public Health Department
The Chatham County Public Health Department continues to urge all residents to take measures to reduce the spread of coronavirus: Wash their hands regularly for at least 20 seconds, avoid touching their face, cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow, and stay home and away from others if they become ill except to seek medical care. Health officials also encourage everyone to implement social distancing measures to reduce frequency of contact, like maintaining six feet of distance and avoiding large crowds. This is important for everyone and especially those at high risk of severe illness, specifically anyone over 65 years old or anyone who has an underlying health condition like heart disease, lung disease, diabetes or a weakened immune system.
For more information about the coronavirus, Chatham County’s response and how to get vaccinated, visit chathamnc.org/coronavirus.