Coronavirus: Cincinnati Library System Closes For COVID-19

From the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County:

Posted March 12, 2020

This post was updated at 10:11 a.m. on March 13, 2020

Is the Library open?

After 6 p.m., March 13 all 41 Library locations will be closed to the public until March 20, 2020, when leadership will reassess the closure. Until 6 p.m. today, the Library is open. We are practicing social distancing of at least four feet, encouraging frequent hand washing, and request that you stay home if you are ill.

You’re an organization that uses taxpayer dollars to serve the public. How can you close?
We know from health officials that COVID-19 (coronavirus) is easily spread in confined, indoor spaces. Information the Governor’s office shared indicates that aggressive early social distancing can stop the coronavirus from exponentially spreading. Libraries are places where people gather, sometimes in large groups. Because of this, we feel closing to the public will help keep community members safe.

Can I still use the Library computers?

Until 6 p.m., March 13, 2020 the Library is open. We are practicing social distancing in order to protect customers against germs, so some computer stations may be unavailable to keep a safe distance between users.

When will events at the Library resume?

All in-person Library programming events are currently canceled through April 3, 2020. We will reassess the situation at that time, so please stay tuned for more details by signing up to receive email alerts or following us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @cincylibrary.

Can I still book a meeting or study room?

Meeting and study rooms will remain closed through April 3 in order to prevent the transmission of illness. You cannot reserve a room to use between now and April 3; however, if you would like to book a room for a date after April 3, you can do so. We will reassess the situation in early April, so please stay tuned for more details by signing up to receive email alerts or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @cincylibrary.

Can I still check out physical materials?

Yes, until the Library closes tonight at 6 p.m., March 13, 2020.

Will I be fined for overdue materials?

No. We are extending due dates through April 3. If you currently have physical material checked out, we ask that you do not return it for the time being.

Are book, CD, and other material donations being accepted?

No. Please hold any donations you may have until further notice.

Can I sign up for a Library card digitally?

Yes. You can use our online form here. Once completed, you’ll receive a Library card number in your email. You’ll still have to come into a physical Library location to pick up your permanent card, but you can access our digital services without it after you receive your confirmation email.

What resources can I access online if I don’t want to come to the Library?

We have a wealth of digital resources available for free 24/7 with a Library card. Visit our eBranch to learn more.

Will my Library still be a polling location?

Yes. If your polling place is normally at a Library location it will be open as a polling location.

Can I complete the Census at the Library?

Until 6 p.m. March 13, 2020, yes. Staff will be available to help with any questions you may have, just please continue to practice social distancing. You can fill out the U.S. Census digitally by visiting https://2020census.gov/.

I heard that a staff member at the Library is quarantined. Does that mean they have COVID-19?

A staff member from our Distribution Center voluntarily quarantined themselves earlier this week. They did not report that they had been exposed to the virus but were self-quarantining out of an abundance of caution. There have been no reported cases of COVID-19 among any of our 850+ staff.

How can I get updates about the Library’s operations?

To access all Library service updates and resources regarding COVID-19 (coronavirus), please visit www.cincinnatilibrary.org/covid19.

Still have questions? You can contact our Virtual Information Center via email, live chat (on our homepage), or by phone at (513) 369-5005. For more Library service updates and resources regarding COVID-19 please click here.

This press release was produced by the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County. The views expressed here are the author’s own.