Public statement: COVID-19 and closing the library

Image of CDC reproduction of a Coronavirus cell.

The past few weeks have been a time of great uncertainty. There is a lot of confusion and anxiety centered around the spread of COVID-19. As a library, we understand the importance of having quality information with which to make decisions. We have put a great deal of effort into researching and strategizing our response to the current outbreak.

After consulting with the Huntington County Health Department, adhering to the guidance of the CDC, and following the lead of the Huntington County Schools and the Governor’s Office, we have decided that it is in the best interest of our community if we close our doors for a while.

It is our hope that this will help to slow the progress of the virus in our community by encouraging and modeling the vital practice of social distancing.

The Huntington City-Township Public Library is closing both of its locations to the public, and cancelling all programs, meeting room bookings, and other activities.

The building closures will be effective Monday, March 16 at 8pm through Sunday, April 19. We will resume normal hours to the public on Monday, April 20, 2020.

Programs and room bookings will continue to be canceled until at least Monday, May 4, 2020.

We are going to extend due dates for all items so that no patron accrues fines during the closure. We are also working to extend the expiration on library cards so that patrons can continue to use our electronic resources.

All of our electronic resources, including databases, e-books and e-audiobooks will continue to be available while we are closed. Information about electronic resources is available on the Library’s website at hctpl.info.

We will also have Librarians available to answer reference questions via email at ask@hctpl.info.

If you have questions or concerns during the closure we will not be available by phone but you can reach us at ask@hctpl.info. We will do our best to respond to you in a timely manner.

This situation continues to evolve and we will continue to make adjustments to library services as needed. We will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves.

Our most important priority is the health and well-being of our community.

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