(Smart Chicago Collaborative / Flickr)
In tandem with Gov. J.B. Pritzker issuing a stay-at-home order for all Illinois residents, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced the closure of the city’s public libraries and parks, effective 5 p.m., Saturday. The shutdown will last through the duration of the stay-at-home order, currently set to expire April 7.
Earlier in the week, the Chicago Public Library had announced its intention to keep 20 libraries open in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, but the rapidly evolving situation altered those plans.
For library patrons: Now is not the time to worry about due dates on materials. Everything is being auto-renewed, according to Patrick Molloy, Chicago Public Library spokesman.
Many of the libraries’ holdings can be accessed virtually, at patrons’ fingertips.
Effective immediately, any library card holder with a suspended account due to lost item fees will be able to download or stream materials at chipublib.org. Don’t already have a library card? E-card registration is available online.
Additional resources such as encyclopedia articles, photo collections and digital job search assistance are also available on CPL’s website.
Chicagoans can also use their library cards to access eBooks, audiobooks, music, videos, magazines and other services via a variety of apps. Click here for more information.
Like CPL, the Chicago Park District had intended to continue providing programming at a handful of facilities. The parks are now also closed from Saturday evening through April 7, meaning park personnel will not be present and facilities will be closed.
Contact Patty Wetli: @pattywetli | (773) 509-5623 | [email protected]
