Public Library still open during COVID-19 outbreak but with modifications, cancellations

In response to Gov. Mike DeWine's and Mayor John Cranley's declarations of states of emergencies for Ohio and Cincinnati, the Public Librarye Cincinnati and Hamilton County is canceling all events and classes beginning Friday, March 13, through April 3, 2020.

This includes the cancellation of the St. Patrick’s Day Celebration this Sunday, March 15. Social distancing measures will begin at all Library locations on Monday, March 16. These measures will include practices such as maintaining physical distance from others including limiting the spacing and availability of Library computers.

“We don’t make these decisions lightly, but out of an abundance of caution and in accordance with guidance from health and state officials, we feel these precautions are necessary for our staff, customers and the community at large,” said Paula Brehm-Heeger, the Eva Jane Romaine Coombe Director of the Library.

Additionally, beginning immediately:

  • All meeting rooms are closed through April 3, 2020.
  • Customers have been asked to hold on to their checked out physical materials instead of returning them.
  • Late fines for materials currently checked out are being waived.
  • Book donations are not being accepted at this time.

Customers are still invited to check out items at any of our locations; however, they're also invited to use our robust eBranch, which features digital versions of books, audiobooks, music, movies, magazines, and more. Any Library location that is a designated polling place will remain so. 

For updates about Library services and responses during this time, go to CincinnatiLibrary.org/library-restart or follow us on social media.