(Updated on March 15, 2020)
The Madison Messenger has received notice of the closure of certain facilities and the cancellation of the following local events and programming due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) crisis:
Hurt-Battelle Memorial Library
Hurt-Battelle Memorial Library in West Jefferson will be closed starting March 16 through at least April 10. All material that is currently checked out will have a due date of April 13. During this time, the library’s online resources will be available to cardholders on the library’s website, www.hbml.org. These resources include ebooks, audio books, magazines and movies.
Mount Sterling Public Library
Mount Sterling Public Library will be closed to the public effective March 16. Currently, the State Library will continue delivery of requested items. Mount Sterling Public Library will have pickup outside the library. Once a person arrives outside the library, they should call the library at (740) 869-2430. A staff member will put requested items in a tub outside. Then individuals may pick up their items from the tub. If customers want the library to put together items for them, they should call the library and staff members will work to help meet those needs. The book drop will remain open 24 hours a day.
The library’s website, mtsterlingpubliclibary.org, is always open. People with library cards may use Hoopla and Overdrive. Both of these services provide access to hundreds of thousands of books, movies, audiobooks and other electronic formats. Students working from home also have access to reference sources online under the “Research” tab. The library also has AcornTV for free. This streaming service gives patrons access to hundreds of British television shows such as “Doc Martin.”
For changes, check the library’s website or Facebook page.
Rosedale Bible College
On March 13, Rosedale Bible College (RBC) announced that the school will suspend in-person classes and move to online learning from March 16 to April 13.
President Jeremy Miller released a statement to constituents, supporters, alumni and friends of the school explaining that RBC is taking this step to seek “the welfare of our communities” and to honor the state of Ohio’s attempt to slow down the transmission of COVID-19.
Students are returning home this weekend and the college will be in regular contact with them about future plans for their ongoing education.
Plain City Library
In order to keep the community safe and mitigate the spread of COVID-19, Plain City Public Library is cancelling all library programs through at least March 31. This includes storytimes, book groups, Beyblade Open Play, Pawsitive Tales, Census events, and the Bluegrass Jam. In addition, no new meeting room reservations will be approved through at least April 6. Visit plaincitylib.org for more information or contact the library at 614-873-4912. The Plain City Public Library is located at 305 W Main St.
Madison County Family & Children First Council
