GREENE COUNTY, OH: On Friday, March 13, Greene County Public Library administration decided to temporarily close the library until April 6 on the advice of the Greene County Health Commissioner. The closure is meant to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. The decision mirrors the state’s decision to close K–12 schools until April 6. “We know that COVID-19 spreads in large groups,” says library Executive Director Karl Colón. “We are joining other Ohio libraries like our friends in Toledo and Columbus in containing community spread through the practice of social distancing.”
Library patrons do not need to worry about returning materials ahead of the closure. Due dates for library materials (including those borrowed through interlibrary loan) will be extended until the library is reopened. “We have a procedure in place for emergency closures,” explains Colón. “Patrons can still return their library materials via the library’s book drops. We also have a plethora of online resources available through our website.”
The decision to temporarily close was not made lightly. Board of Trustees member Jeff Brock calls the closure in best interest of public health. “We are taking this necessary step to protect our community,” he says. “We are saddened by the need, but certain this is the appropriate action based on the recommendations of health officials and their respective agencies. We are looking forward to serving the public when they advise reopening.”
At the moment, all library programs and events through April 15 remain canceled.
As the COVID-19 situation progresses, the library will update their page at greenelibrary.info/covid-19-plan. For information concerning COVID-19 in general, the State of Ohio has created coronavirus.ohio.gov, opens a new window.
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CONTACT: Ryan Ireland, Communications Coordinator, 937-736-7081
