11 Mar COVID-19 & Library Services

Friday, March 13, 2020, 8:20 PM:

The Shelby County Public Library will be closed, beginning Monday, March 16, 2020. This decision was made tonight by the Board of Trustees after a recommendation from the Kentucky Department of Libraries and Archives. We will be closed until further notice. The Library will be open on Saturday, March 14 for regular hours.

This page will be updated as more information becomes available.

Friday, March 13, 2020, 3:23 PM:

Today, the Library is announcing the following changes to services and programming. These changes are effective immediately and will continue until further notice.

1. 1. 1. All events and programs are cancelled.
      2. All outside groups who have meetings and events scheduled in Library facilities (including the Carnegie Library Center) are cancelled. The CLC Coordinator will be in touch with those who had an event schedule in the CLC with options going forward.
      3. Bookmobile service is cancelled.

We made the decisions above with the safety and health of our patrons, staff, and community in mind. The changes announced yesterday, which are detailed on our website, will continue until further notice. We will remain open until we receive guidance from local health officials, the Kentucky Department of Libraries and Archives, or the Governor’s office.

We strongly encourage our patrons to utilize our online resources, including Libby, Overdrive, Freegal, and others. You can access our online resources through our website. 

Thursday, March 12, 2020:

Yesterday, we released an initial statement detailing our response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Since then, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a global pandemic. We are making some changes to library services. All changes are effective immediately and will continue until further notice.

1. 1. 1. Outside groups will not be allowed to reserve meeting rooms in the Carnegie Library Center.
      2. Inter-library loan service is suspended.
      3. All returned materials are being quarantined for 72-hours before being recirculated.
      4. Toys in the Youth Services department have been put away.
      5. The capacity of the Study Room has been reduced to a maximum of two (2) people.

Library programming is, for now, continuing as scheduled. In accordance with our closure policy, if Shelby County Public Schools are closed, Library programs are cancelled. We will do our best to reschedule affected programming, should cancellations occur.

In the event that SCPS closes, we will make adjustments to operations and services. Those changes may include reducing hours of operation, canceling programming, and canceling Bookmobile service. We will announce details of those adjustments should they become necessary.

Contact the Library with questions at (502) 633-3803, email the Library Director at admin@scplibrary.net.

Wednesday, March 11, 2020:

Due to an increasing number of COVID-19 (coronavirus) cases in Kentucky, and to protect the health of both SCPL patrons and staff, the Library is taking steps to mitigate the impact on Library services.

Bookmobile services to nursing homes, daycares, and community stops are suspended until further notice. Bookmobile service to home-bound patrons will continue, though home-bound patrons are strongly encouraged to contact the Library if they are ill or have family who are ill so as to also temporarily suspend service or make alternative arrangements.

Library programs are continuing as scheduled. The Library and programs will remain on schedule until we receive guidance from local health officials and/or the Governor’s office suggesting otherwise.

All library patrons are encouraged to use our digital resources, including Libby, Overdrive, and Freegal. Visit the Digital Resources page on our website to access our online resources. Please exercise caution to avoid getting sick: wash your hands with hot water and soap, and stay home or see your doctor if you are sick or are developing symptoms of any illness.

Library facilities are being professionally cleaned and disinfected on Friday, March 13. The Library staff and Board has a pandemic plan prepared. We will communicate changes to services and programs through our social media, posted signage in the Library, our email lists, and in the Sentinel-News.

If you have questions about Library services, contact the Library at (502) 633-3803 or email the Director at admin@spclibrary.net. With questions regarding the coronavirus and COVID-19, visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov.

Click here to consult the CDC Prevention Guide for tips to prevent getting sick.