The Lakewood branch of the Pierce County Library System has reopened for technology services with computers, Wi-Fi and printers, marking the first in-building service for the PCLS public since the pandemic started.

People can make appointments or visit during technology service hours. The building will be open Sunday 1-4 p.m., Monday-Thursday: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. (closed for cleaning 1-3 p.m.), Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (closed for cleaning 1-3 p.m.), and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (again, closed for cleaning 1 to 3).

Starting Feb. 22, the limited technology access in the meeting room of the Lakewood branch is part of a pilot project for reopening libraries according to the Healthy Washington Roadmap to Recovery plan. Other PCLS branches are closed to in-building access until further notice, but curbside and online service continues.

More information is available at piercecountylibrary.org.

Georgia Lomax, executive director of PCLS, said the Lakewood branch was chosen for the start of in-building technology use because “this location serves communities with among the lowest in-home access to technology in the county.” The goal is to “help lessen the digital divide that has grown more sharply during the pandemic,” she said.