Library District’s Response To COVID-19

Library District Updates and Vital Community Resources

 

A Message from the Executive Director

May 20, 2020
Greetings Friends:

I have some exciting news on two new services that we have launched this week at the Library District!

But first, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who wrote back to my last letter, sharing your love of the library and, for many, your disappointment that we have to remain closed during the COVID-19 crisis. We share your disappointment, and we miss helping you find your next great discovery at our branches. However, the health and safety of our customers, staff, volunteers, and community partners must remain our top priority.

In the meantime, the Library District's dedicated staff has been working hard behind the scenes to clean and prepare our buildings, so that when Governor Sisolak determines that the time is right to reopen, we will be ready.

So let's get back to that good news I want to share with you! We have created two new ways for you to have a bit of your library experience back again:

Curbside Pick-Up Service

We have just launched this new service, which allows you to drive, bike, or walk up to a designated curbside area to pick up your library materials. Just call one of our 16 participating branches and a librarian will help you to select your items, place them on hold, and reserve a time for you to come by. You will find everything that you need to know about this new service here. But please keep in mind that Curbside Service will be closed on Monday, May 25 in observance of Memorial Day.

Library District YouTube Channel

If you have been missing our fun, fascinating library programs, now you can enjoy them virtually at YouTube.com/TheLibraryDistrict. You will find favorites from some of our library storytime stars such as Miss Shana and Miss Marisa, and from a few other folks that you may have heard of, such as Michelle Obama, Rita Moreno, Dolly Parton, Daisy Ridley, Betty White, Courtney B. Vance, and more. Coming soon, you will also find video classes on STEAM, DIY projects and maker experiences, health and wellness, literacy, social services, early childhood education, unemployment assistance, and job skill development.

I hope that these new ways to enjoy the library remotely will bring you a bit of comfort and normalcy during these challenging times.

As we start to plan for reopening, I want to prepare you for a library experience different from what you are used to, as social distancing will be with us for some time to come. But although your librarians will be wearing masks and gloves, behind their protective gear, they will be smiling to finally be able to help you again! I invite you to learn more about our reopening plans here.

If you have any questions, please email me anytime at Ask@LVCCLD.org. Take care of yourselves and we look forward to seeing you curbside at the library.

Please stay tuned for updates as they become available. Be sure to visit our website and follow @LVCCLD on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Thank you,

Dr. Ronald R. Heezen
Executive Director
Las Vegas-Clark County Library District

Where to Turn for Information & Support

For up-to-date information on the COVID-19 outbreak, please refer to the following trusted sources:

Southern Nevada Health District 

https://www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/coronavirus/

Centers for Disease Control

Nevada Health Response

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

World Health Organization (WHO)

Managing Coronavirus Stress and Anxiety

  • CDC - Center for Disease Control's guide to coping with stress and anxiety
  • ADAA - Anxiety and Depression Association of America
  • Psychology.org - Dealing with coronavirus anxiety: Expert tips
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)- Family-to-Family is an 8-week course, starting on June 1, for families, significant others, and friends of people with mental health conditions. 

Additional recommendations from the SNHD and the CDC include:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds each time.
  • If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Local Assistance

Emergency Services:
Healthcare:
  • Nevada Health Link - Exceptional Circumstance Special Enrollment Period. 
  • FirstMed Health & Wellness - provide efficient, quality, and affordable health care services in a holistic, caring, and compassionate environment that is accessible to all, regardless of ability to pay. The staff is fluent in English, Spanish, Tagalog, and Visayan. 
  • Veteran Resources - VA has implemented an aggressive public health response to protect and care for Veterans in the face of this emerging health risk. 
  • Asian Community Development Council - The ACDC Navigator Program provides state-licensed Health Navigators who speak different languages and can help facilitate enrollment in qualified health plans. 
  • Grant a Gift Autism Foundation - GGAF Case Management Team is serving as a support line to provide information regarding childcare, food, basic needs, medical care, government services/aid. If you or your family needs help, please call GGAF at 702-564-2453 and a care coordinator will assist you.
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) - Family-to-Family is an 8-week course, starting on June 1, for families, significant others, and friends of people with mental health conditions.
Financial Help:
Legal Services:
Career & Employment Services:
Educational and Stay at Home Resources:
  • PBS Kids - How to talk to your kids about coronavirus. 
  • Stay at Home Resources - While you are practicing social distancing, use your free library card to access these fun, educational, and FREE online resources to help pass the time, teach you something new and keep your skills sharp!
  • CCSD Reopening Plan

Welcome To The Library District’s New Digital eCard!

Sign up and #GetCarded and enjoy instant access to download or stream everything from our digital collection — from eBooks, audiobooks, comic books, magazines & newspapers, to movies, TV shows, music, and eResources that help you learn new skills and sharpen old ones, such as Lynda.com, Rosetta Stone, and Socrates, which helps kids practice math, science, and English while playing games (just one of the many learning options available for kids and teens)! This special eCard has been created during the COVID-19 crisis and will be valid until June 30, 2020. As soon as the Library District reopens, we invite you to come in to your nearest branch and complete the sign-up process for a permanent library card. Just bring a valid photo ID and proof of address.

Library Closure FAQs 

When will the Library District reopen?

All 25 Library District branches are currently closed until further notice to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Please check back to the home page of this website, and to this blog, for updates on when our branches will be reopened. You can also get our latest updates by following @LVCCLD on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Can I pick up my holds?

The Library District has implemented a Curbside Pick-Up Service at 16 of our branches. Click here for locations and hours. If you had a hold in place when the libraries closed down due to the COVID-19 outbreak, your hold will be waiting for you to pick up. You can place new holds, either on the website or by calling your branch. You must call your branch to make an appointment to arrange for your pick-ups.

What about Interlibrary Loans?                                                                                                                               

We are maintaining the holds lists for these as well, and we will pick up where we left off once we reopen. If we have received your item, it will be available for you to pick up at that time.  If you have ILL books that are checked out, please do NOT return them during our closure. If you return them once we reopen, you will NOT be charged any late fees.  If you have any further questions or concerns, you can contact ILL@LVCCLD.org and we will try to get back to you as soon as we can. 

Can I return my books? I don’t want any late fees!

All of our library branches remain closed until further notice, but our outside Book Returns have been reopened as of May 16, 2020. We have 308,364 items checked out from before the COVID-19 closure, so to avoid an avalanche of returns all at once, you may take your time to return your library materials over the next several weeks. All checked out items can go into the Book Returns, with the exception of iPads, Hotspots, American Girl Dolls, and items from our Toy Library. All fines are waived during the COVID-19 closure.

Will Hotspots and iPads continue to work during this time?

Yes, these items have been extended. All currently checked out Hotspots and iPads will continue to function during the Library District closure. Please return them as soon as we reopen.

My card is not allowing me access to your online resources.  Who do I contact?

If you are having issues trying to access our online services using your Library District card, please email your account information to ASK@LVCCLD.org and our administrative team will be happy to help you.

Can you increase the number of digital checkouts on Hoopla and Kanopy?

Yes, during this public health crisis, we are working to provide our valued customers with as many resources as possible. Toward this goal, Hoopla is permitting us to increase their checkout limit from 10 to 20!  Kanopy has also made collections available for unlimited viewing that will not count against your monthly checkout limit.
https://lvccld.org/blogs/post/kanopy-offers-unlimited-collections/

I have tickets for a scheduled performance at the library? Who do I contact for a refund?

The Library District works with many organizations that rent out our spaces for their performances.  Some have already rescheduled their events for later in the year.  You will need to contact the organization directly for refund inquiries and updated information on their performances.

We welcome your respectful and on-topic comments and questions in this limited public forum. To find out more, please see Appropriate Use When Posting Content. Community-contributed content represents the views of the user, not those of Las Vegas-Clark County Library District