Current Services During COVID-19

The Library has resumed regular service! Please visit our location pages for more information.

In-Person Services

Our locations are now operating with regular hours.

Most locations offer a mix of the access options below.

FAQs

Library ReStart

  • Yes, we're open! In-person library services are available at all of the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library's 41 locations. Customers have access to computers, printers, and faxes, meeting and study rooms, as well as the ability to browse and pick up holds.

    Visit our Library Restart page for the latest hours and information about our drive-thru, curbside, and in-building services.

  • Yes. The Library’s Virtual Information Center is currently open for chat and calls 9 a.m.–9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 1 p.m.–5 p.m. Sunday. You can send an email at any time and staff will respond as soon as they are able. You also can schedule My Librarian one-on-one appointments. 

  • During the Aug. 10, 2021 meeting of the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library Board of Trustees, board members agreed to end the practice of issuing fines for overdue items. This change goes into effect Sept. 26, 2021.

    In lieu of late fees, the Library locks a customer’s account if any item is 12 days overdue, meaning no additional print items can be checked out until either the overdue item is returned or the customer has paid the replacement fee for it. Customer accounts will also be blocked from renewing or placing holds until the overdue item is resolved.

    Read more in this FAQ answer.

Page last updated January 29, 2022

Staying Safe

We're committed to a safe, realistic, and community-oriented approach to serving you during the pandemic.

As the vaccine becomes more widely available, the Library has restored services in a phased approach. Currently, we are observing the following policies:

  • Customers and staff are encouraged to practice physical distancing when possible.
  • We encourage everyone to wear a mask. The Library is providing free masks for our customers who need them.
  • Customers have access to all library services, including computers, printers, and fax service, as well as the ability to browse and pick up holds.
  • Meeting rooms and study rooms have reopened.
  • Customer visit time limits have been removed.
  • Hand sanitizer is available for customers and staff.
  • Curbside services are offered at all current locations, and drive-thru services are offered at select locations.

Library at Home

Spending a lot more time at home? We have ideas for minds of all kinds: online events, video storytimes, improved online database access, and more.

Don't have a Library card yet? Get a digital card today.

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