COVID-19 and the Library - What You Need To Know - UPDATES
Updated Friday, Aug. 7, 2020
Visitors to the Springfield-Greene County Libraries can be reassured that multiple steps are being taken to ensure their safety and limit the spread of COVID-19.
Here are some recent updates regarding Library services and procedures.
- Masks: All visitors to the 10 branches of the Library District must wear a face covering, in compliance with the City of Springfield ordinance effective July 16-Oct. 14. The Library is enforcing the same standard in the five county library branches. Exceptions: Visitors age 3-11, and those with medical conditions that prohibit the wearing of a face covering. All visitors are asked to social distance, use hand sanitizer and stay home if they are ill.
- Library hours: Adjusted hours through Dec. 31 are 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, closed Sundays, at all 10 branches except Ash Grove Branch, which remains closed Saturdays. Hours may be adjusted if conditions change.
- Drive-up window service: Available for holds pick up only, open 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday, closed Sundays, through Dec. 31. Outdoor book drops at all 10 library branches are open 24 hours a day.
- Meeting rooms: Most large meeting rooms are unavailable for public use for the time being; they are being used to quarantine library materials. Room availability will change as we receive new information about the ongoing pandemic. Consult the SPACES meeting room reservation system to see available rooms.
- Discovery Center passes: are again available for checkout at the Library. Consult the procedures and safety precautions.
- Online temporary library cards: are available until further notice.
- The Mobile Library: The library van is providing holds pick up and return services only, following the bookmobile's normal schedule while the Mobile Library is not running.
- Passport applications: The Library Center and Library Station are accepting passport applications by appointment, passport photos taken without appointment, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Call the Library Center, 883-5341, or Library Station, 616-0683. Visit thelibrary.org/passport.
- After-school students: The Library staff wants to support families and help keep children and teens safe during the coronavirus pandemic as school classes resume. To do that, the libraries have had to implement several space limitations.
- Edge computer classes: Instructor-led classes, tutorials and one-on-one help for adults resume at the Edge Community Technology Center effective Sept. 1. Visit thelibrary.org/edge, or call 837-5011.
Other Need-to-Knows:
- The Library Express West, the 24-hour library kiosk at 3872 W. Chestnut Expressway, is open and providing normal services including returns, holds pick up, browsing and checkouts.
- Drive-up Service and Returns FAQ
- Returned items at all branches are quarantined in a separate area of the buildings for 72 hours before being available for checkout.
- Indoor public service desks and drive-up service windows are equipped with acrylic shields and other items for staff and patron safety.
- Due to health concerns, all in-person summer and fall programs such as concerts, storytimes and book discussions are canceled or are provided as virtual programming. Check the summer and fall Bookends calendar of events, or thelibrary.org/programs for details.
- For the time being, the Library has suspended job postings, the job hiring process and volunteer opportunities.
You can always use the Library without coming in, 24 hours a day:
- Browse the collection from your armchair at thelibrary.org/catalog, and you will receive notification when the items are available.
- Access e-books, audiobooks, magazines, movies and music through thelibrary.org/digital.
- You can also read online newspapers, do research and get homework help through thelibrary.org/research.
- Here is a listing of popular online resources provided by the Library.
For more information contact Community Relations Director Kathleen O'Dell at 417-616-0564.
Find this article at