Library Director's Statement on COVID-19

Posted on: March 12, 2020 - 1:03pm

Here at Whitinsville Social Library we know you and your family are concerned about COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus. I want to ease a tiny bit of your anxiety by offering some information about how we’re handling the outbreak.

Library staff are disinfecting all frequently-touched surfaces during and at the end of the day; there is hand sanitizer for public use at the circulation desk; soap, paper towels, and hand washing instructions in the bathroom; and cleaners come to the library three days a week.

We remain calm and vigilant at the library. As of March 13, 2020 the library has suspended all events until further notice.

The Northbridge Board of Health wishes to inform you of several preventative measures to keep you and your family well:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Clean things that are frequently touched (like doorknobs and countertops) with household cleaning spray or wipes.
  • Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Use a tissue or your inner elbow, not your hands.
  • Many of the things you do to help prevent colds and the flu can help protect you against other respiratory viruses, including COVID-19.

As always the library is open to all. We do ask that if you are not feeling well or considered to be at-risk, to please stay home and take care of yourself.

If you do plan to visit and check out items from the library please consider downloading our self-check out app MeeScan, available for free on both Apple and Android smartphones. Autorenewal was implemented in July so if you have renewals left on an item it will renew automatically, no need to call or come in. Too sick to return library items? Give us a call and we'll work with you.  If you are ill or caring for someone who is but want to check out items from the library please consider sending a healthy family member or friend with your library card instead.

Our online catalog of books, movies, magazines, and online resources are always available without leaving your home. See Online Resources & Library Apps.

We are in contact with the Northbridge Board of Health, Whitinsville Social Library Board of Trustees, and the Town Manager’s office on this matter. Please continue to check the library’s website, social media, and event calendar for any changes.

Thank you,

Rebecca Sasseville