Heights Libraries Extend Closure Due To Coronavirus

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — The closure of the Heights Libraries will be extended through at least May 1. The library system is expanding its digital offerings to the community to aid residents during the new coronavirus outbreak.

The library system will remain closed as long as the state recommends schools be closed. To help patrons weather the crisis, the library system will expand its online offerings.

“We’re doing as much as we can to make sure our community still has access to as many of our resources as possible while also making sure our staff and customers stay safe,” said Heights Libraries Director Nancy Levin. “While we did have to close the buildings, our staff is still working to find creative ways to reach people.”

Here's what the Heights Libraries are doing to help residents out:

• Hosting daily story time for small children. The sessions will be posted to the library's Facebook and Instagram accounts from Monday through Friday at 10 a.m. Videos will be available for 24 hours after they are published.
• For adults, there will be a weekly online yoga class shared on Facebook. Classes will be held on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. and are provided by locally-based Bottom's Up Yoga. Classes will continue through at least April.
• Library patrons can use their Overdrive Instant card to access eBooks, music and online magazines. Residents who don't have a library card, or whose cards are blocked, can access the materials using their cell phone number.
• Residents can also use the Hoopla Bonus Borrows expands the number of digital materials a guest can use.
• Residents can use Ancestry.com as long as they have an active Heights Libraries card. The website must be accessed through the library system's website.

The library system will share other online resources for residents as they become available.

“Library folks are nothing if not resourceful,” said Levin. “We’ll keep working to find ways to serve our community until this is over.”