The L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library is suspending all library programs, events, meeting room bookings and outreach services in response to concerns regarding the COVID-19 coronavirus, according to Library Director Pamela Westby.
“While there are no confirmed cases in Eau Claire County at this time, we want to be proactive to protect the vulnerable populations we serve and the vulnerable populations who work and volunteer for the library,” Westby said on Friday.
She added that, for now, the library will maintain its standard hours and, with the exception of programs, continue offering services and materials as usual.
Customers may call to renew their items or return materials to one of the library’s offsite dropboxes, whose locations are listed here.
Westby’s full statement is available on the library’s website.
She said that library staff will be working to reschedule programs and meeting room bookings. They will also be exploring options to enhance the library’s digital program offerings, which will continue to be available online.
Currently, the library provides over 150,000 e-books, audiobooks, songs and films that can be accessed from computers or digital devices, Westby noted.
She said that library staff will be removing toys and digital devices from the Youth Services area, and limiting the number of Internet computers for adults in order to increase the space around each workstation. Library materials will not be disinfected, as that is not currently recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).