Chicago Libraries Plead To Close Amid Coronavirus Worries

CHICAGO, IL — Despite the ongoing worries over coronavirus shutting down schools, bars and restaurants throughout Illinois, Chicago Public Libraries have remained open. Employees say they have emailed and called Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Governor J.B. Pritzker throughout the week to plead that the libraries be closed for the safety of employees and patrons alike.

Some library staff also started a petition to appeal to Pritzker and Lightfoot to close all libraries.

A library employee who spoke under the condition of anonymity told Patch that employees have started using the hashtag #closeCPL on Facebook and Twitter to rally for the closures.

Part-time employees and employees who do not work with the public will be sent home with pay as of March 23, according to an update.

At press time, full-time employees who work with the public were still expected to report to work.

One employee, who chose to remain anonymous, told Patch, "The changes are a slap in the face for most of us 'front line' full time staff, who have already been taking the brunt of the risk, are still being expected to."

Corina Pedraza, who works at the Harold Washington Library Center told Patch the feeling is "gloomy and dreadful." She said, "Staff members are really frightened, especially as new rumors circulate."

Many employees are pregnant, elderly or have chronic conditions that put them at heightened risk for coronavirus, Pedraza told Patch.

Pedraza said. "There is no guarantee that every surface will be wiped down after everyone touches it and we know the virus can live on a surface for up to three days."

The library has posted signs asking patrons not to enter the building if they feel sick. Library programs and activities were canceled Friday as a precaution.

Libraries were sent supplies to help prevent infection, some of which employees told Patch included a small bottle of hand sanitizer that was not 70 percent alcohol.

An anonymous employee summed it up, "None of the staff WANT to close. But we NEED to keep our city safe."