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LA Libraries Shut Down Due To Coronavirus. Here's The Official Statement
Los Angeles' Central Public Library (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images)
Here's the statement from Los Angeles library officials on why they have shut down their facilities:
Like all Angelenos, we are facing the challenges of a quickly changing landscape in response to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). As always, the health and safety of our patrons and staff is our priority.
We are in constant communication with other city departments, local officials and health authorities.
Following Mayor Garcetti’s directive and out of an abundance of caution, we want to share the steps the library is taking to protect the health and safety of our patrons and staff while still providing essential library services:
- Following guidelines limiting the number of people in public buildings, we have closed the Central Library and the 72 branch libraries through March 31.
- During this time, due dates for borrowed materials will be automatically extended, no late fines will be assessed, and patrons can return materials when libraries reopen.
- Librarians are available to provide assistance through telephone reference (213) 228-7272; the web-based service, Ask A Librarian; and Book A Librarian.
- Of course our many digital services remain available 24/7 at lapl.org, including e-books and audiobooks; streaming TV, movie and music services; classes and digital subscriptions to newspapers and magazines.
- We created and will continue to update this resource page in English and Spanish with information about the COVID-19 virus and how to keep you and your loved ones safe.
You can stay updated on the library here on our website and following our social media accounts
Once again, your health and safety is of utmost importance, and we will evaluate and adjust as new information becomes available. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and we thank you for your continued understanding and support.
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You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
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