(UPDATE: Posted March 24, 2020)
UPDATE:
Mount Sterling Public Library is closed until further notice. Curbside services are cancelled. Patrons should not return checked-out items to the library drop box until further notice. Checked-out items will not accrue overdue fines; due dates have been extended. Patrons can disregard overdue notices until the library reopens.
The library can issue library cards to anyone who does not have one; send a request by email to mtsterlingpubliclibrary60@yahoo.com. All of the library’s online resources remain available. Wifi is available 24 hours a day from outside the library. The password is F6C57389F8.
Plain City Public Library is offering only essential curbside services, effective March 24. Examples of essential services are educational needs and necessary social services as defined in the Ohio Department of Health’s “Stay at Home” order. Call the library if you believe you have an essential service need, (614) 873-4912. The library building will remain closed until at least April 6. Check the library’s website and social media pages for updates.
(Original post from March 17, 2020)
By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
The public libraries in Madison County have made operational changes in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The following changes were current as of 3 p.m. on March 17. Because the situation is in constant flux, residents are encouraged to check in with their libraries by phone, website or social media for the most up-to-date information.
London
London Public Library, 20 E. First St., closed its doors to the public on March 16 and will not reopen until at least April 6.
The library is asking patrons to keep items they currently have checked out until the library reopens. The book drop on the side of the building is closed. All materials that are currently checked out will have a due date of April 13.
During this time, the library’s online resources are available to cardholders at www.mylondonlibrary.org. These resources include eBooks, eAudiobooks, magazines, movies, music and research databases.
For up-to-date information, visit the library’s website or look for “London Public Library” on Facebook.
Mount Sterling
[NOTICE: Some of the following information is now out-of-date. Please see the update at the top of the page.]
Mount Sterling Public Library, 60 W. Columbus St., closed its doors to the public effective March 16.
Currently, the State Library continues to deliver requested items. Consequently, Mount Sterling Public Library is offering pickup of materials outside the library. Once a person arrives at the library, they should call (740) 869-2430. A staff member will put the person’s requested items in a tub outside. Then individuals can pick up their items from the tub.
Patrons who want library staff to put together some items for pickup just need to call the library with their requests.
All of the library’s digital services are available through the library’s website. For anyone who needs a card to access online materials, the library will issue a card number over the phone.
Wifi is available 24 hours a day from outside the library. The password is F6C57389F8.
The book drop remains open 24 hours a day for returns.
For up-to-date information, visit the library at www.mtsterlingpubliclibrary.org or on Facebook at “Mt. Sterling Public Library.”
Plain City
[NOTICE: Some of the following information is now out-of-date. Please see the update at the top of the page.]
Plain City Public Library, 305 W. Main St., closed its doors to the public on March 17 and will remain closed until at least April 6.
During the closure, the library will offer limited curb-side services, including local hold pickup. Hours are: Monday-Wednesday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Thursday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. This service is available only for items that are already onsite as the library will not have access to its normal transit services while it is closed.
Call the library at (614) 873-4912 for help with narrowing searches in the library catalog to only those that are available locally.
The new due date for all materials is April 21. The library’s book drop remains open.
Anyone who does not have a library card and would like one can find an application on the library’s website. Completed applications can be emailed or faxed. Cards can be picked up as part of the curbside service.
Visit the library at www.plaincitylib.org or on Facebook at “Plain City Public Library” for updates.
West Jefferson
Hurt-Battelle Memorial Library, 270 Lilly Chapel Rd., West Jefferson, closed its doors to the public on March 16 and will remain closed until at least April 10.
All materials currently checked out will have a due date of April 13. The library’s book drop remains open.
During this time, the library’s online resources are available to cardholders via the library website, www.hbmlibrary.org. These resources include ebooks, audiobooks, magazines and movies.
Visit the library at www.hbmlibrary.org or on Facebook at “Hurt/Battelle Memorial Library – West Jefferson, Ohio” for updates.
South Charleston
Houston Library, 5 W. Jamestown St., South Charleston, closed its doors to the public on March 17. At this time, the library plans to reopen on April 6. All programs and activities are cancelled until April 13.
The library is part of the Clark County Public Library system, which announced that loan periods for all library materials will be extended. All book returns are locked, so patrons are asked to hold onto any materials they have borrowed until the libraries reopen.
As always, patrons can access digital library resources with their library card. Ebooks and eAudiobooks are available through Overdrive and the Libby app. Patrons can stream music and more with Hoopla and stream movies and television shows with Kanopy and Recorded Books Digital. Visit www.ccplohio.org for access to digital resources.
To obtain a library card for access to the library system’s digital resources while the libraries are closed, send an email to ebooks@ccpl.lib.oh.us. The library will set you up with a temporary digital library card and PIN number.
