Kansas City Public Library Suspending Activities, Events

Thursday, March 12, 2020
Kansas City Public Library Suspending Activities, Events


The Kansas City Public Library is paying close attention to coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in our country and to recommendations from local, state, and national health officials for safeguarding against it.

All 10 Library locations continue to operate on normal schedules, providing access to computers (except at the relocated North-East Branch) and other Library materials. Kids Cafés also remain open at the Waldo, Southeast, Trails West, and L.H. Bluford branches.

Suspension of activities and events
As a precaution, however, we are suspending all group activities and events starting Friday, March 13, through at least March 31. That includes children’s story times, book club gatherings, and our evening speaking and other signature events. (Tonight’s presentation by historian Gretchen Sorin at the downtown Central Library will take place as scheduled. Thursday’s story times and other activities also will be held.)
Library event spaces and meeting rooms are not available for booking by the public through this time.

Know that this is not an easy decision. The Library’s broad menu of services and activities is an important community resource. However, our overriding concern is for the health and safety of our patrons and staff. We are adhering to recommendations to maintain social distancing during this challenging time.

Know, too, that the Library continues to follow best practices in its cleaning, disinfecting, and housekeeping regimen at all locations. Ample supplies of hand gel sanitizer are available for patrons and staff. Toys and other difficult-to-clean items have been removed temporarily from children’s areas.

We urge all – patrons and staff – to be vigilant about frequent hand washing and instructing those who feel ill to stay home and consult their healthcare providers.

Digital resources
One thing that we can promise will remain unaffected is the Library’s multitude of digital resources. We encourage patrons to access and take advantage of them – from e-books and e-audiobooks to online learning and career-development sites; access to newspapers and magazines through PressReader and other subscription services; and TV, movie, and music streaming services.

Those who don’t yet have a Library card can get immediate access by signing up here for an e-card.

Staying updated
The Library will continue to follow the actions and recommendations of health officials through this COVID-19 outbreak, including any measures arising from the City of Kansas City’s emergency declaration. We know it is a challenging time, and we’ll work hard to continue to communicate further changes in our services.

Patrons and others in the community also can monitor the Library’s updates at kclibrary.org/coronavirus and/or follow the Library on Twitter and Facebook.

In the meantime, we recommend visiting and monitoring the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Jackson County Health Department, and Kansas City Health Department.
 

Coronavirus resources and information

kclibrary.org/coronavirus