For immediate release: March 17, 2020
Douglas County Libraries (DCL) has been closely monitoring information from local, state and federal authorities about the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and its impact on our communities. At this time, DCL has made the difficult but necessary decision to close all of its libraries, effective Tuesday, March 17, until further notice, in addition to canceling, postponing and/or rescheduling all public events and space reservations.
DCL takes great pride in being open to all and being a place where the community can explore, learn, gather and celebrate, but also wants to ensure that staff and the community remain safe and well.
While DCL’s physical libraries are closed, customers can take advantage of the following resources and accommodations:
- DCL’s digital library is always open—and it’s been enhanced to accommodate more digital checkouts and less wait time. Check out e-books; audiobooks; downloadable magazines; movies, TV and kids videos; and music.
- Customers may Skip the Line on OverDrive and through the Libby app for instant checkout of items, similar to the library’s Your Lucky Day items in the branches.
- A variety of digital library perks are available, from audio-guided workouts, to crafting classes, to online learning and more.
- Those who do not currently have a DCL library card can get instant access to the digital collection with a digital library card through OverDrive’s Instant Digital Card and Hoopla’s Engage.
- Virtual Storytime is available through Storyblocks, a project of Colorado Libraries for Early Literacy (CLEL).
What else to know:
- DCL will waive fines and/or extend due dates on physical items checked out.
- Book donations will not be accepted during the closure.
- Prospector and Interlibrary Loan will be unavailable as most other library systems are also closed.
- All DCL book drops are closed. Customers may hold onto their library materials. No current checkouts will come due, and no fines will accrue during the closure.
- Current holds in DCL’s system will not
- Materials Request and Book Club Express kits will be unavailable. Current items/kits that are checked out will not come due or accrue fines during the closure.
- DCL has increased cleaning and disinfection throughout the libraries, which will continue until advised that COVID-19 is no longer a potential threat.
DCL will post ongoing updates to its Community Safety Notice online and through its social media channels. See the library’s online Events Calendar to check the status of rescheduled events.
The closure of DCL libraries is based on guidance from health officials about limiting gatherings and employing social distancing. For more information, visit the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment or call (303) 389-1687.
Douglas County Libraries elevates our community by inspiring a love of reading, discovery and connection.