Berkeley Public Library Responds to COVID-19 Coronavirus
Reliable Information and Updates
During times of crisis, it can be daunting to find reliable sources of information. 

For trustworthy information about Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the latest from the City of Berkeley please refer to: 

 
www.cityofberkeley.info/coronavirus 


 
To receive communications from the City of Berkeley as they are released, subscribe here:

www.cityofberkeley.info/subscribe
  
 
Additional recommended resources include:
 

Alameda County Public Health Department
http://www.acphd.org/2019-ncov.aspx



California Department of Public Health
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/nCOV2019.aspx


Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
 
 
World Health Organization
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
 
Steps Berkeley Public Library is Taking
The safety of patrons and staff is top priority.

Here are the steps we've taken so far:
  • Posted all recommendations and communications from the City of Berkeley in our libraries. Printed copies are available for patrons as well.
     
  • In addition to our regular cleaning schedules, we have implemented twice-daily disinfection procedures for "high touch" areas in all Library facilities.
     
  • Removed many "high touch" items from service such as headphones, board games, pillows, plush animals and toys. At this time the Library is continuing to offer access to public computers and laptops.
     
  • Ongoing communications this winter to Library staff on ways to help prevent the spread of the flu, colds and coronavirus.
     
  • Modifying some elements of public programs to limit opportunities for the spreading of germs, such as eliminating shared toys during story time and suspending the use of Virtual Reality headsets.
     
Events, Programs & Service Updates
As a City of Berkeley department, the Library follows the directions of the City Manager and City Public Health Officer during the state of emergency declared by the City Manager earlier this week.

At this time, Library hours and most public programming will continue as regularly scheduled. However, as the Library receives updates and directives from the City Manager and Public Health Officer, this may change.

If possible, do check
 our website and the event calendar before coming to the Library. 
 
Note that some authors, vendors and/or workshop leaders may choose to cancel their upcoming events even if the Library has not been directed to cancel events. The Library's online event calendar will have the most up to date information on Library programs.
 
Library Access from Home
With digital services from Berkeley Public Library, card holders have 24/7 free access to books, audiobooks, magazines, movies, classes and more. 

Find out more about our numerous resources from the Downloads & Streaming page. 
Some of our most popular services include the following:
 
Ebooks & Audiobooks

Overdrive, Enki and Hoopla for downloadable ebooks and audiobooks.

 
Movies

Kanopy and Hoopla for independent movies and documentaries.
Newspapers

With free access to the NY Times online and the San Francisco Chronicle digital edition, you can stay up to date on the latest news. 
Magazines & Comics

RBDigital offers full-color digital popular magazines for adults and Flipster offers magazines for kids.
 
Hoopla for a collection of comics. 
Online Learning

Through Gale Presents: Udemy, you can learn and improve skills across business, tech, design, and personal interests with access to 3500+ on-demand video courses taught by world-class instructors.

You can learn to speak more than 70 world languages and dialects with Mango Languages.
Music
 
Streaming music is available from Hoopla as well as from Naxos, which includes classical, jazz and world music, and Alexander Street, which features contemporary world music, Smithsonian Folkways Recordings and more.
Explore all online resources, including research databases, here: https://www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org/explore/elibrary
 
Reminder: Everyday Actions Help Slow the Spread
The Berkeley Public Health Department confirmed this week that expanded presence of coronavirus is a reality. While there are no confirmed cases of community spread in Berkeley at this point, it will happen eventually.

It’s important that everyone take action to slow the spread. This will help relieve pressure on medical resources and health care providers.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. That’s about the length of time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice.
  • Avoid touching your face, especially with unwashed hands.
  • Clean frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, tables, phones, and keyboards daily using a regular household detergent and water.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then immediately throw it away. If you don’t have a tissue, cover your cough with your elbow rather than your hand.
  • When you’re sick, avoid school, work, and public places. Stay home except to get medical care.
  • Avoid close contact with those who are ill.
Refer to https://www.cityofberkeley.info/coronavirus/ for the latest updates.

 
Berkeley Public Library
2090 Kittredge St.
Berkeley, California 94704
510.981.6100
www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org/