Published Monday, March 16, 2020

On March 13, 2020, Governor Pritzker mandated that all schools in the state be closed from Tuesday, March 17 until Monday, March 30 in an effort to curb the spread and impact of the COVID-19 coronavirus. While normally we would invite our school-aged children to come to the library in the event of an emergency closing, this is not the best course of action when trying to curb a contagious disease. Because containment works best when all organizations participate, many libraries and other cultural organizations will be closed for the same duration. The Illinois Library Association is recommending the closure of all public libraries. The Edwardsville Public Library (EPL) will be closing and offering limited, modified services through roadside pickup concurrently with the school closings (March 17-March 29). Here’s what that will look like:

• EPL will be closed to the public. This includes any events hosted by third-party organizations.
• EPL will be staffed Monday through Friday 9am – 6pm to answer the phone in order to assist you in any way we can.
  
• Overdue fines will not accrue while the library is closed. We are asking patrons to hold on to their library material until the library is open again. Our book drops will all be locked.
• EPL will provide limited services through curbside pickup 9am-6pm Monday-Friday. Should the library receive any information from local/state health departments and/or our library system to discontinue this, these limited services will stop immediately until further notice.

Curbside Pickup

• Curbside Pickup-Patrons will call the library or place requests online (Patrons who call will need to have their library card barcode number handy).
• Patrons will wait for notification that items are ready for pickup.
• Patrons will call either when they arrive at the library or immediately before they leave to come to the library.
• Patrons should remain in their vehicle and call the library when they arrive. Staff will bring books out to the curb for pickup.

E-resources

• E-books, movies, and music, are always available online through our website and through free apps. Visit https://www.edwardsvillelibrar... and call the library if you have any questions or need help setting up your account.

EPL is continuing to monitor and adjust to this changing situation. Services available over the coming weeks are subject to change depending on what is needed to protect the health of our communities. Please check our website, Facebook, or call the library (618-692-7556) for updates.