Berkeley Public Library Response to COVID-19 Coronavirus
Important Information: Program Postponements and Cancellations
Berkeley Public Library patrons,
 
There are new developments in the response to COVID-19 coronavirus since our email on Saturday.
 
Yesterday afternoon, both the City of Berkeley's Public Health Officer and City Manager issued guidance to cancel or postpone all non-essential group events - specifically those in which large numbers of people are within arm's length of one another - to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus in our community. 
 
While there are only two COVID-19 cases in Berkeley and both are travel-related, patron and staff safety is the City's and the Library's priority. Berkeley's Public Health Officer, Dr. Hernandez is clear: "The time to act is now. These measures have the power to slow the virus' spread." 
In accordance with this guidance, beginning tomorrow, March 12th, 2020 the Library is cancelling or postponing all community programs, classes, and events, including community use of meeting rooms, through March 31.
 
Note that one-on-one programs such as tax help and literacy tutoring will continue as scheduled until further notice. If you have questions about a particular event or about checked out items, please call any of our facilities. For potential cancellation of events in April, staff will assess conditions throughout the next few days and weeks and update the online calendar accordingly. We apologize for the inconvenience. We know how important many of these programs are for you and others.
 
At this time, all Berkeley Public Library locations remain open and we look forward to welcoming you through our doors. Additionally, the Library offers 24/7 access to a vast collection of e-books, audiobooks, magazines, movies, virtual classes and more. 
 
This is a rapidly changing situation and the Library will continue to provide updates on how we are supporting community safety while continuing to provide services in promotion of community access, learning and literacy. 
 
 
Safety Measures in Place
Keeping you safe is our priority and the Library has undertaken many steps to ensure a safe environment:
  • Signage with recommendations on how to stay healthy and prevent the spread of COVID-19 at all library locations.
     
  • Elevated cleaning and sanitizing measures in all public areas; twice-daily disinfection of "high touch" areas including desk surfaces, door handles, touchscreens and keyboards in all Library facilities.
     
  • Removal of "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.
     
  • Handwashing stations installed in front of each facility to promote and encourage community hygiene practices.
     
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
 
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
 
 
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 (for example, the Library!) 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/