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COVID-19 Update, 4/20/20

Hello, everyone - Due to the continuing COVID-19 crisis, all Libraries will have to remain closed until May 18, 2020.  We hope to resume Library programs in June.  All book drops are currently closed, and we ask people to hold on to Library materials until the Governor's stay-at-home order has been lifted - we want our patrons to stay in good health, and look forward to seeing you all again soon!

In the meantime, we continue to do everything we can to help our community, including:

  • Fines have been suspended for the duration of the crisis
  • Wifi has been turned on 24/7 at all locations, and while connection strength may vary, those who need to access it should be able to outside of the buildings.
  • Additionally, the Library has partnered with the CHIPS Network to set up free outdoor Wifi at all locations for emergency use by patrons.
  • Ancestry Library Edition is now available for in-home access – take a look at your heritage today!
  • Patrons with fines on their account will still be able to access our online resources and check out e-materials – the block has been removed for the time being.  This applies to Overdrive, Hoopla, Kanopy, RBDigital, and all other resources.
  • The Library has joined the group supporting the National Emergency Library on Archive.org, where you can read over one million ebooks for free right now.
  • The Library has joined with Maryland Legal Aid to provide virtual legal help for your civil legal issues - contact them at virtualcommunitylawyer@mdlab.org or call them at 443-451-2805.
  • Newsbank is now providing direct links to newspapers, and they have been added to the database list.
  • People who do not have an account can now obtain a temporary card through our website that will be good for 90 days.  Follow this link and click “Register now.”  This card will provide access to our online resources, and after the crisis ends, people can convert them into full cards with a photo ID. 
  • Any card scheduled to expire during this time will automatically be renewed for another 90 days.
  • All children in Garrett County Public Schools still have access to their student cards and can use them to access our online resources – see the Kids page for more information.
  • Before reopening, we will be conducting a deep cleaning at all locations.
  • AskUsNow 24/7 is available and being handled by SLRC staff Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Email Reference is available 24/7 though SLRC staff will be responding to email questions Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

We also wanted to share resources that the Enoch Pratt Free Library has made available to help Marylanders affected economically, whether workers or business owners:

We will, of course, be updating this page with any new developments.  

We miss seeing you all and wish the best of health for you and yours.  In the meantime, we use this time to improve our collections, plan new programs, and develop our online services, and we look forward to seeing you once again at the Library!

-Thomas Vose

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