Update, March 13th, 12 p.m.: The NYPL has sent out this announcement: "After carefully considering a multitude of factors and the rapidly changing situation in New York City around novel coronavirus (COVID-19), all New York Public Library locations will be closed to the public beginning on Saturday, March 14 through at least Tuesday, March 31. Please note that Friday, March 13 will be the last day that patrons can pick up holds or borrow books until library locations reopen."
Original story below
As the number of COVID-19 cases in the city increases every day, the city's landscape is rapidly changing as businesses, institutions, agencies and citizens scramble to respond to the spreading virus. The public library system is the latest to make adjustments—on Thursday morning, the New York Public Library, The Brooklyn Library and Queens Public Library sent out this joint statement on Thursday morning:
In support of the City's efforts to limit the spread of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), all New York City public libraries are suspending public programming and events from Friday, March 13 until Tuesday, March 31. The decision to cancel library programs was not taken lightly, as programs such as story times, technology training classes, and English language classes are lifelines for so many. But considering the current situation, and the need to limit large crowds, this was the most responsible path forward to support the health and well-being of our communities. It is important to note that the city's libraries remain open, and continue to offer access to books, public computers, wi-fi, expert staff recommendations, and a variety of resources and computers dedicated to the Census.
The NYPL—which includes the Bronx, Manhattan and Staten Island libraries—also sent out a letter to their email list (which includes over 1 million people) from NYPL President Anthony W. Marx. It reads, in part, "It is an unsettling time for all, and I assure you that the Library—a trusted institution providing critical services in every neighborhood—is in close communication with the City and doing everything possible to protect its patrons and our staff. In that vein, and in support of the City's efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19, the Library has decided to suspend all public-facing programs beginning Friday, March 13, through at least the end of March. This includes all events (classes, programs, workshops, etc.) at our 92 locations, which as of now remain open with regular operating hours."
They will also be sharing the most up-to-date official info on the virus, as well as on their system, at nypl.org/coronavirus—to provide accurate information to the public. You can also access the NYPL's digital resources 24/7 from home.
For now, the city's libraries remain open, though it's strongly recommended you practice social distancing if you enter one, and do not enter if you are displaying any symptoms (if you're sick, STAY HOME). The libraries say cleaning has become more frequent, with an increased focus on high-touch surfaces. At the NYPL, they have removed puzzles and toys and other nonessential high-touch items.
Each system currently has a slightly different interpretation of what a public program is, so for more details check the websites of the Brooklyn Public Library, New York Public Library, and Queens Public Library.
