St. Louis Public Library and St. Louis County Library locations closed to the public earlier this year in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, both local systems have begun to release some cautious and partial reopening plans. During the closures, the libraries have been quick to assure patrons that they needn’t worry about returning overdue items during the crisis — and will be given plenty of time to return items in the coming days as book drops soon begin operating again. Host Sarah Fenske talks with SLPL CEO Waller McGuire and SLCL Director Kristen Sorth about the wide-ranging roles that libraries have been playing lately — and what their immediate future holds.