Seminole to reopen four libraries today

Central Florida Zoo also plans to reopen

Seminole County will partially reopen four of its public libraries today, officials announced Monday.

Plexiglass shields have been installed at checkout areas and research desks. Also, hand sanitizers and floor markers to help patrons stand six feet apart have been set up.

Libraries will be limited to 25% capacity, and patrons will have to reserve a time to use the public computers.

The four libraries that will reopen include the East Branch, at 310 Division St., Oviedo; North Branch, at 150 N. Palmetto Ave., Sanford; Northwest Branch, at 580 Green Way, Lake Mary; West Branch, at 245 N. Hunt Club Blvd., Longwood.

Hours will be from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays; 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.

The libraries also will offer curbside service.

Still, the Central Branch in Casselberry will remain temporarily closed.

Also, the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens — the county’s largest tourist attraction — on Wednesday will reopen its doors to visitors at its facility in Sanford. The zoo, however, will limit capacity to 50%, and indoor exhibits will continue to be temporarily closed.

The nonprofit zoo, at 3755 W. Seminole Blvd., will only be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Staff will remain at the zoo afterward daily to disinfect common areas of the facility.

“It’s pretty obvious that people are looking to get out and burn off some of that cabin fever,” said Dino Ferrari, zoo’s chief executive officer. “What’s important for us is to be a resource for the community.”

Ferrari urged zoo visitors to wear masks.