Coronavirus Inspires Brooklyn Public Library Reading List

PROSPECT HEIGHTS, BROOKLYN — There's some good general health advice among the titles of a coronavirus-inspired reading list put together by Brooklyn Public Library: "Do Not Lick This Book."

This children's book and other literally-deadly serious titles are part of a BPL book list focused on contagion. Librarians hope it will help inform Brooklynites as COVID-19 — and concerns over it — spreads into their everyday life.

"Many New Yorkers are scared for themselves and their loved ones as the virus continues to spread, and are doing everything in their power to keep themselves healthy," a release states. "So, Brooklyn Public Library is stepping in to do what it does best — creating public awareness and educating the public."

The number of coronavirus cases in Brooklyn continues to grow. One man, 68, with diabetes and heart disease was listed critical condition in an ICU in Brooklyn, the city said.

It has prompted officials to cancel events such as the NYC Half Marathon, close schools and call for businesses to reorganize their work days.

To keep up to date with coronavirus developments in NYC, sign up for Patch's news alerts and newsletter.

The World Health Organization on Wednesday officially declared the outbreak of COVID-19 a pandemic.

Pandemic features in some of Brooklyn Public Library's reading list titles. Readers can pick up "Very, Very, Very Dreadful : The Influenza Pandemic of 1918" and learn about the so-called Spanish Flu, which thankfully appears to be have important differences from the coronavirus.

The list also includes "The Hot Zone," a book about Ebola and "Terrible Typhoid Mary," which covers the cook Mary Mallon believed to have spread the disease to New Yorkers and Long Islanders.

Other titles, like "Germs," lean toward youngsters.

The titles can be found here and be placed on hold for curious readers.