COVID-19: Actualización de la biblioteca en español
This message updated March 29, 10:00 a.m.
All locations of Eugene Public Library - Downtown, Bethel, and Sheldon - are temporarily closed.
In accordance with public health guidance regarding COVID-19, we have extended the closure of Eugene Public Library locations and book returns past the original date (March 30). We will update you as soon as we know our reopening date.
Outside book returns are closed. All due dates on Library items are being extended to April 21. No fines will be charged during this time. Requested items will remain on the hold shelves for pick-up after reopening.
All library cards that would have expired in March or April have been extended to May 21 to allow continued use of online resources. If your library card was already expired, or you do not have a library card, please call us so we can set up online library services for you during this time.
Many services and materials are available free with your library card at our website, including hundreds of thousands of eBooks, audiobooks, streaming movies and shows, music, magazines, and more for all ages. Find links to these services at https://www.eugene-or.gov/1006/eBooks-and-Streaming.
If you have questions about your library card account, our online services, or anything else, our staff is available to help by phone. Please call us at 541-682-5450 (Mon.-Thurs., 10am-8pm; Fri.-Sun. 10am-6pm).
We will continue to closely monitor the situation in conjunction with our City of Eugene and public health colleagues.
For updates from Eugene Public Library, please follow our social media: Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
For more information about the City of Eugene’s plans and actions, please visit www.eugene-or.gov/coronavirus.
For more information about COVID-19, please visit Lane County Public Health’s website: www.lanecountyor.gov/coronavirus.
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A Letter from Library Director Will O’Hearn
March 13, 2020
Dear Community,
First, the unique situation we are in needs to be acknowledged. How well library staff has worked through this time is truly laudable. Thanks to all library patrons, staff, and volunteers for your support and flexibility as we continue to work through and adjust our services due to COVID-19.
As this is a developing heath situation, we want to be sensitive to public exposure and doing what’s right for our community to keep us all healthy. Limiting exposure will help keep our community safe and will help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Therefore, effective March 14th, Eugene Public Library will close all locations until March 30th. We will continue to monitor the situation and work closely with public health officials as we learn more. Our commitment is to do what’s best for the health of everyone.
Though our buildings may be closed, the library’s online services are still available. It’s the perfect time to try out what we offer virtually: eBooks, eAudiobooks, streaming movies and music, as well as many other online informational resources. Plus, staff will still be available to answer phone calls at 541-682-5450.
The goal is to balance community’s needs with keeping our community as safe as possible. We made this decision with extreme care and respect for everyone with hope that we are achieving that balance. While it’s a temporary loss of in-person service, we believe this is the right long term approach to support our community health.
We want to assure everyone that our focus is on keeping you healthy and to please not worry about overdue items or returning them during our temporary closure. We promise to keep you informed and will communicate as this fluid situation evolves. We are looking forward to seeing all of you back in our buildings in the future. Thank you again for your support for us and each other.
All the very best,
Will
Will O’Hearn
Director, Eugene Public Library