COVID-19 and the Library

March 13, 2020

Information and Resources regarding COVID-19 and the Library. Information will be added here as it becomes available.

3/16/2020 9:00 PM

This is an update to the previously posted message.

The Bloomfield Public Library will close to the public Tuesday, March 17, 2020, and remain closed until further notice. The Board of Trustees passed a motioned to close the library based on current information and guidance from the Center for Disease Control and New York State.

We appreciate your understanding and flexibility during what continues to be a fluid situation. Please know that due dates will be extended until the library reopens and Fines for items due will not accrue during this emergency closure. If you choose, library materials may be returned in the external book drop. Otherwise, they may be returned when the library reopens.

As a reminder access to ebooks, downloadable audiobooks, and digital magazines are available online at owwl.overdrive.com or in the Libby app on your digital device.

3/15/2020 3:25 PM

The Bloomfield Public Library will be closed to the public Wednesday, March 18, 2020 and will remain closed until further notice. This decision was made after careful consideration of current information and in order to mitigate the risk and impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) in our community.

Tuesday, March 17, 2020 will be the last day community members will be able to access the library building and physical materials. Staff members will continue to report and be available to answer questions by phone during our regular hours or by email to bloomfieldlibrarydirector@owwl.org.

Holds and delivery of items from other libraries have also been suspended until further notice.

Fines for items due will not accrue during this emergency closure.

Thank you for your understanding and patience during these unprecedented and historic times. We will continue to monitor the evolving situation and post updates and plans for reopening as they become available.

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3/14/2020 3:40 PM

In order to follow the guidance of state institutions and to help prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), the Bloomfield Public Library has cancelled all programs and community room use, effective Monday, March 16, 2020 through the end of March.

Starting Saturday, March 14, 2020, the Pioneer Library System (PLS) will suspend the option of placing holds in OWWL. This means neither library staff nor patrons will be able to order library materials from another member library. Additionally, PLS will suspend delivery services which will result in no movement of library materials between member libraries until further notice. PLS will reevaluate this stoppage of service on Friday, April 3, 2020, with guidance from local and state government agencies.

At this time, all other library operations will continue as usual. We continue to monitor the situation and will post additional information as it becomes available. We thank everyone for their patience and understanding as we respond to rapidly growing COVID-19 concerns.

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3/13/2020

In response to rapidly evolving health concerns, the Bloomfield Public Library is taking the following preventative measures:

  • Hand sanitizer is available in the library: in the Children’s Area, Teen Area, and at the Circulation Desk.
  • Sanitizing wipes are available at the public computers and the circulation desk for patrons to wipe keyboards and mice before and after computer use.
  • Library materials should be returned only in the Book Drops.
  • During check out library cards will be scanned in the patrons’ hands. 
  • Library staff will wipe down all door knobs and handles throughout the day.
  • Library surfaces and furniture will be wiped or sprayed with a disinfectant at the end of each day.
  • All plush and difficult-to-clean toys have been temporarily removed from the Children’s area. All other toys in the Children’s Room will be sanitized at the end of each day.

Please practice good hand washing and hand sanitizing habits. Additionally, if you are sick or if you are vulnerable to illness, please consider suspending library use. If you need assistance renewing an item please contact the library at 585-657-6264.

The health and safety of our patrons, employees, and the community is our top priority. The library will continue to operate as usual while closely monitoring recommendations made by the appropriate federal, state, and local governmental agencies. Any changes to our operating procedures will be communicated to the public.

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Additional Resources