Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library’s Response to the Coronavirus Public Health Situation
Like public libraries across the State of Ohio, the Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library is closely monitoring public health information about the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). The health and safety of our patrons and staff is our top priority. As of today, all our four Libraries (Eastlake, Willoughby, Willoughby Hills, and Willowick) and our administrative office at Eastlake City Hall are open on regular schedules. However, all programming and the use of our meeting rooms will be suspended beginning Monday, March 16th through Monday, April 6th.
We are working with local health and municipal officials and following guidance and direction from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Ohio Department of Health (ODH). Working with our cleaning contractor Lake County Cleaning, we are instituting enhanced cleaning protocols at each of our facilities. We are also providing hand sanitizer at service points throughout each building.
Children aged 14 years and younger are required to be accompanied by an adult to visit a Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library location during this time of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Due to schools being closed, we are expecting an influx of children and safety is our top priority.
On Monday, our Board will adopt a pandemic illness response policy that includes the steps that WEPL will take to respond to a potentially widening public health challenge. That includes the aspect of personal responsibility that we are asking Library staff and patrons to observe: please stay home and do not visit the library if you are exhibiting signs of illness or if you are not feeling well.
The Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library has a plethora of online resources available to library patrons. Overdrive, Kanopy, Hoopla, children’s games and resources are all available from the comfort of your home with your Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library card.
As all of us should do, the Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library will continue to follow the advice from trusted and credible state and federal organizations such as the CDC or ODH. Here is some additional information about both organizations:
Ohio Department of Health: ODH maintains a website with current information on the COVID-19 situation, the current risk to the public, and links to helpful resources.
https://odh.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/odh/know-our-programs/Novel-Coronavirus
ODH has also set up a call center to address questions regarding COVID-19. It is open seven days a week from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm. The number is 1-833-427-5634.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: the federal CDC has set up a website with a range of information about the current risk to the public, symptoms to watch for, prevention, testing, and advice for communities, schools, and businesses.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
As the COVID-19 situation is evolving daily, WEPL will continue to update our communities, patrons, and staff via email, social media, and our website at we247.org.
